Toronto Raptors

On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, in what was the first game played in NBA history (as the Basketball Association of America). However, the Huskies folded after the initial 1946–47 season.{{cite news |last1=Drolet |first1=Mike |title=How Canada helped kick-start the NBA |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5333595/first-nba-game-ever-canada/ |agency=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |access-date=August 6, 2020 |date=June 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701123445/https://globalnews.ca/news/5333595/first-nba-game-ever-canada/ |url-status=live }} Toronto did not host another NBA game until the 1970s, when the Buffalo Braves (predecessor to the Los Angeles Clippers) played a total of 16 regular season games at Maple Leaf Gardens from 1971 to 1975.{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Erik |title=With NBA Finals in Toronto, recalling the man who once shunned the Braves |url=https://buffalonews.com/opinion/columnists/with-nba-finals-in-toronto-recalling-the-man-who-once-shunned-the-braves/article_465e0c05-b009-5c2c-bc11-86143fbec30b.html |access-date=August 6, 2020 |agency=The Buffalo News |date=May 28, 2019 |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102190615/https://buffalonews.com/opinion/columnists/with-nba-finals-in-toronto-recalling-the-man-who-once-shunned-the-braves/article_465e0c05-b009-5c2c-bc11-86143fbec30b.html |url-status=live }}

Interest to move or expand an NBA franchise to Toronto grew during the late-1980s; with former NBA commissioner David Stern later describing the expansion to Toronto as a "safe step," given the market size and the likelihood of success in the city.{{cite book|title=NBA Expansion: The Footprint Finally Expands|publisher=Lyons Press|isbn=9781493026999|work=Basketball's Game Changers Icons, Record Breakers, Rivalries, Scandals, and More|last=Prunty|first=Brendan|year=2017|page=177}} The NBA organized two exhibition games in 1989 and 1992 with an attendance of over 25,000 people each, both in the newly built SkyDome.{{cite web|title=Laying the Groundwork for the NBA in Toronto|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/history/raptors_history.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=Raptors.com|date=August 26, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2015|archive-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530223124/https://www.nba.com/raptors/history/raptors_history.html|url-status=dead}}

The NBA began to seriously consider expansion into Toronto after they received an unsolicited application fee from the Palestra Group, headed by Larry Tanenbaum. The Palestra Group was one of several seeking an NBA franchise, with Professional Basketball Franchise (Canada) Inc. (PBF) formally submitting an application for a Toronto-based team on April 23, 1993.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-nba-is-coming-to-toronto|work=CBC Digital Archives|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|title=The NBA is coming to Toronto|year=2021|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320143606/http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/the-nba-is-coming-to-toronto|url-status=live}} Later that year, in July, the NBA Expansion Committee visited various existing and proposed stadium sites along with the bid contenders. On September 30, 1993, the committee recommended conditionally awarding PBF the franchise.

The team was formalized on November 4, 1993, when the NBA Board of Governors endorsed the decision of Expansion Committee and awarded its 28th franchise to a group headed by Toronto businessman John Bitove for a then-record expansion fee of US$125 million. Bitove and Allan Slaight of Slaight Communications each owned 44 per cent, with the Bank of Nova Scotia (10 per cent), David Peterson (1 per cent), and Phil Granovsky (1 per cent) being minority partners.{{cite news|title=Arena wars [The Raptors and the Leafs needed new arenas and it would have been smart to share]|last=Tedesco|first=Theresa|date=December 1997|newspaper=Toronto Life}} Wagering on NBA games in Ontario nearly cost Toronto the expansion franchise, due to strict league rules at the time that prohibited gambling. However, an agreement was reached whereby the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), which is the provincial lottery corporation that regulates gambling in Ontario, agreed to stop offering wagering on all NBA games in exchange for a donation by the Raptors of $5 million in its first three years and $1 million annually afterwards to its charitable foundation to compensate OLG for its loss of revenue.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2010/01/26/12623001.html|title=OLG 'hopeful' of adding NBA to Pro-Line|first=Mike|last=Ganter|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=June 16, 2015|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913142113/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2010/01/26/12623001.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/proline-raptors-wagering/|title=Pro-Line brings back wagering on all NBA games|date=January 26, 2010|access-date=June 16, 2015|publisher=Sportsnet|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707084705/https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/proline-raptors-wagering/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2010/01/27/negotiations_to_add_nba_to_proline_tickets_in_ontario.html|title=Negotiations to add NBA to Pro-Line tickets in Ontario|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=June 16, 2015|work=Toronto Star|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707084644/https://www.thestar.com/sports/2010/01/27/negotiations_to_add_nba_to_proline_tickets_in_ontario.html|url-status=live}} The Raptors, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, played their first game on November 3, 1995.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/the-buzzer-nba-toronto-raptors-inaugural-game-1.5786955|title=On 25th anniversary, remembering stuff from the Raptors' (and Grizzlies') 1st games|last=Campigotto|first=Jessie|date=November 2, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2021|work=CBC Sports|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517011125/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/the-buzzer-nba-toronto-raptors-inaugural-game-1.5786955|url-status=live}}

Initial sentiment was in favour of reviving the Huskies nickname, but team management realized it would be nearly impossible to design a logo that did not substantially resemble that of the Minnesota Timberwolves to avoid confusion with that team.{{cite book |last=Donovan |first=Michael Leo |date=1997 |title=The Name Game: Football, Baseball, Hockey & Basketball How Your Favorite Sports Teams Were Named |publisher=Warwick Publishing |location=Toronto |isbn=1-895629-74-8 }} As a result, a nationwide contest was held to help name the team and develop their colours and logo. Over 2,000 entries were narrowed down to ten prospects: Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs, Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas, and Terriers. The final selection—Toronto Raptors—was unveiled on Canadian national television on May 15, 1994: the choice was influenced by the popularity of the 1993 film adaption of the 1990 science fiction novel Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton; The name "Raptor" is a common informal name for the Velociraptor, a species of dinosaur featured in the film. On May 24, 1994, the team's logo and first general manager, Isiah Thomas, were revealed at a press conference. As part of the deal, Thomas received an option to purchase part of the team, reportedly for under market value.{{cite news|title='Piston for life' Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in new franchise|date=May 25, 1994|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Young|first=Chris}} He would purchase 4.5 per cent in May 1995{{cite news|title=Raptors' Thomas 'voice of reason' in NBA talks|date=August 13, 1995|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Young|first=Chris}}{{cite news|title=Thomas is key player on Raptors' court He handles everything but the ball for new basketball squad|date=October 19, 1995|first=David|last=Israelson|newspaper=Toronto Star}} and a further 4.5 per cent in December 1995,{{cite news|title=Thomas to double stake in Raptors Price undisclosed, but thought to be bargain for Toronto GM|date=December 29, 1995|last=Campbell|first=Neil|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=Thomas to up stake in Raptors|date=December 28, 1995|newspaper=The Vancouver Sun}} half each from Bitove and Slaight, decreasing their share to 39.5 per cent.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/10/21/Franchises/RAPTORS-UP-FOR-GRABS-AS-SLAIGHT-ENACTS-BUYOUT-CLAUSE.aspx|title=RAPTORS UP FOR GRABS AS SLAIGHT ENACTS BUYOUT CLAUSE|date=October 21, 1996|access-date=December 27, 2013|archive-date=December 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228222845/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/10/21/Franchises/RAPTORS-UP-FOR-GRABS-AS-SLAIGHT-ENACTS-BUYOUT-CLAUSE.aspx|url-status=live}} The team's colours of bright red, purple, black, and silver were also revealed; "Naismith" silver was chosen to honour Canadian James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. The team originally competed in the Central Division,{{cite web|title=1995–96 Standings|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19951996.html|website=www.nba.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116204720/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19951996.html|url-status=live}} and before the inaugural season began, sales of Raptors merchandise ranked seventh in the league, marking a successful return of professional basketball to Canada.

As general manager, Isiah Thomas quickly staffed the management positions with his own personnel, naming long-time Detroit Pistons assistant Brendan Malone as the Raptors' head coach. The team's roster was then filled as a result of an expansion draft in 1995. Following a coin flip, Toronto was given first choice and selected Chicago Bulls point guard and three-point specialist B. J. Armstrong. Armstrong refused to report to the club, and Thomas promptly traded him to the Golden State Warriors for power forwards Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander.{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/connections-run-deep-between-warriors-and-raptors-franchises|title=Connections run deep between Warriors and Raptors franchises|date=May 29, 2019|access-date=May 6, 2021|newspaper=Toronto Sun|last=Wolstat|first=Ryan|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507122338/https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/connections-run-deep-between-warriors-and-raptors-franchises|url-status=live}} Thomas then selected a wide range of players in the expansion draft, including veterans Jerome Kersey, Willie Anderson and his former Pistons teammate John Salley.

Subsequent to the expansion draft, the Raptors landed the seventh pick in the NBA draft lottery, behind their fellow 1995 expansion club, the Vancouver Grizzlies. Thomas selected Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of Arizona, around whom the franchise would seek to construct its near future. However, the selection of Stoudamire was met with boos from fans at the 1995 NBA draft at the SkyDome in Toronto, many of whom wanted Ed O'Bannon of UCLA, an NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player.{{cite web|url=https://tucson.com/sports/basketball/professional/nba/draft-flashback-stoudamire-made-quick-impact-with-raptors/article_12ca29d4-eb0a-5dd1-8e8c-363506a63dcd.html|title=Draft flashback: Stoudamire made quick impact with Raptors|last=Rosenblatt|first=Zack|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=tucson.com|publisher=Arizona Daily Star|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506205806/https://tucson.com/sports/basketball/professional/nba/draft-flashback-stoudamire-made-quick-impact-with-raptors/article_12ca29d4-eb0a-5dd1-8e8c-363506a63dcd.html|url-status=live}}

File:RogersCentre Toronto Sept1-05.jpg since 2005, was the original venue for Raptors home games from 1995 to 1999]]

In the team's first official NBA game, Alvin Robertson scored the first NBA points in Raptors history,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/former-raptor-arrested-on-6-warrants-1.642632|title=Former Raptor arrested on 6 warrants|date=February 1, 2007|access-date=April 25, 2007|website=CBC.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404170732/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/former-raptor-arrested-on-6-warrants-1.642632|url-status=live}} while Stoudamire recorded 10 points and 10 assists in a 94–79 victory over the New Jersey Nets.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199511030TOR.html|title=New Jersey Nets at Toronto Raptors Box Score, November 3, 1995|website=basketball-reference.com|access-date=May 9, 2011|archive-date=May 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524074920/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199511030TOR.html|url-status=live}} The Raptors concluded their inaugural season with a 21–61 win–loss record, although they were one of the few teams to defeat the Chicago Bulls, who set a then all-time NBA best 72–10 win–loss regular season record.{{cite web|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/on-this-date-toronto-raptors-history-march-24-defeat-72-win-bulls-team-damon-stoudamire-michael-jordan-christie-murry/1l4m2w11qh7161wnr0dg3qebxj|title=On This Date: Expansion Toronto Raptors hand historic Chicago Bulls their eighth loss of the season|last=McGregor|first=Gilbert|publisher=NBA|website=ca.nba.com|date=March 24, 2021|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507015932/https://ca.nba.com/news/on-this-date-toronto-raptors-history-march-24-defeat-72-win-bulls-team-damon-stoudamire-michael-jordan-christie-murry/1l4m2w11qh7161wnr0dg3qebxj|url-status=live}} With averages of 19.0 points and 9.3 assists per game, Stoudamire also won the 1995–96 Rookie of the Year Award.{{cite web|title=Damon Stoudamire Info Page|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/damon_stoudamire/bio.html|website=www.nba.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712081730/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/damon_stoudamire/bio.html|archive-date=July 12, 2007|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/10/21/Franchises/RAPTORS-UP-FOR-GRABS-AS-SLAIGHT-ENACTS-BUYOUT-CLAUSE.aspx|title=Raptors up for grabs as Slaight enacts buyout clause|date=October 21, 1996|access-date=December 27, 2013|archive-date=December 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228222845/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/10/21/Franchises/RAPTORS-UP-FOR-GRABS-AS-SLAIGHT-ENACTS-BUYOUT-CLAUSE.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/d77393e4d1aeb24a3a980f15a557f8cf|title=Bitove Bows out, Slaight Maps Out Raptors' Future|date=November 15, 1996|access-date=December 27, 2013|work=Associated Press|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701164926/https://apnews.com/d77393e4d1aeb24a3a980f15a557f8cf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Allan Slaight wins control of Raptors|date=November 16, 1996|last=Smith|first=Doug|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard}} giving Slaight 79 per cent control of the team,{{cite news|title=Slaight maps out the future: Bitove bows out of Raptors' life|date=November 16, 1996|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator}} and remaining minority partner of the Bank of Nova Scotia (10 per cent), Thomas (9 per cent) Peterson (1 per cent) and Granovsky (1 per cent).{{cite news|title=Battle for ownership of Raptors on horizon|date=October 19, 1996|newspaper=St. Catharines Standard}} Slaight subsequently acquired the 1 per cent, which had been owned by both Peterson and Granovsky, who had died a year earlier.{{cite news|title=Thomas' group goes for control: Talks with Slaight under way|date=February 24, 1997|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/71b6ccc6b83398a0d91e0995747e11a7|title=Raptors' Ownership Member Dies|date=December 25, 1995|work=Associated Press|access-date=January 16, 2023|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423021254/https://apnews.com/71b6ccc6b83398a0d91e0995747e11a7|url-status=live}} In their second season the team put up a 30–52 record and selected centre Marcus Camby with the second overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. By the end of the season, Camby earned a berth on the NBA's All-Rookie Team, while Stoudamire continued to play well, averaging 20.2 points and 8.8 assists per game.{{cite web|title=Giant Killers on the Rise|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199697.html|website=www.nba.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|access-date=April 23, 2007|archive-date=February 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065039/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199697.html|url-status=live}} As in the previous season, the Raptors were one of only 11 teams to topple the eventual 1997 champions, the Chicago Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997_games.html|access-date=April 21, 2007|title=Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors Box Score, December 8, 1996|website=www.basketball-reference.com|archive-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616131102/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997_games.html|url-status=live}} The Raptors also defeated the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, all of which were eventual Conference finalists. However, the Raptors struggled against teams who were not of championship calibre, including three losses to the 15–67 Boston Celtics.

In the 1997–98 season, the team suffered numerous injuries and slid into a 17-game losing streak.{{cite web|title=1997–98: New Arena Brings New Hope|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199798.html|website=www.nba.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-date=February 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065037/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199798.html|url-status=live}} After Thomas' attempts to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned his position with the team in November and sold his 9 per cent stake in the team to Slaight.{{cite news|title=Thomas vacates Raptors post Toronto GM quits as contract negotiations with Slaight crumble without 'viable resolution'|date=November 21, 1997|last1=Grange|first1=Michael|last2=Christie|first2=James|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=Deal between Raptors and Leafs has a|date=February 13, 1998|last=Tedesco|first=Theresa|publisher=Canwest}} This left Slaight with 90 per cent and the Bank of Nova Scotia with 10 per cent. Thomas was replaced by Glen Grunwald as general manager.Beck, Howard, [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html?ex=1320037200&en=f38e35baf7e7a253&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "On Knicks' Sideline, a Survivor Faces a Stern Test"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423200107/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/sports/basketball/01knicks.html?ex=1320037200&en=f38e35baf7e7a253&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |date=April 23, 2009 }}, nytimes.com, November 1, 2006, accessed April 12, 2007 With Thomas gone, Stoudamire immediately sought a trade.Grange, Michael [http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070307.wsptrapseal7/GSStory/GlobeSports "Stoudamire finally content"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215728/http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070307.wsptrapseal7/GSStory/GlobeSports |date=September 27, 2007 }}, globesports.com, March 3, 2007, accessed April 21, 2007. On February 13, 1998, he was shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers for Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gary Trent, two first-round draft choices, a second-round draft choice and cash. Anderson refused to report to Toronto and was traded to the Celtics with Žan Tabak and Popeye Jones for Chauncey Billups, Dee Brown, Roy Rogers and John Thomas. When the trading deadline was over, the Raptors became the youngest team in the league with an average age of 24.6 years. They had five rookies on their roster, including the 18-year-old Tracy McGrady, who at the time was the youngest player in the NBA. The inexperienced Raptors struggled throughout the season and their regular season record regressed to 16–66.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19971998.html|title=1997–98 Standings|website=www.nba.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216122613/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19971998.html|url-status=live}}

On February 12, 1998, Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd., the owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs, purchased 100 per cent of the Raptors and the arena the team was building, Air Canada Centre, from Slaight and the Bank of Nova Scotia; Maple Leaf Gardens Ltd. later renamed itself Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).{{cite news|title=Raptors bought by Leafs|date=February 13, 1998|last=Tedesco|first=Theresa|newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator}} MLSE paid a reported $467 million, made up of $179 million for the team and $288 million for the arena.{{cite news|title=Stunning deal sees Leafs buy Raptors|date=February 13, 1998|agency=The Canadian Press}}{{cite news|title=NBA approves sale of Raptors|date=March 28, 1998|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-28-sp-33649-story.html|title=NBA at a Glance / Daily Report|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 28, 1998|access-date=January 10, 2014|archive-date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309193618/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/mar/28/sports/sp-33649|url-status=live}} During the 1998 NBA draft, in what became a defining move for the franchise, Grunwald traded the team's fourth overall pick Antawn Jamison to the Golden State Warriors for Vince Carter, who was selected fifth overall, and cash.

[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/vince_carter/bio.html Vince Carter Info Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070418032307/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/vince_carter/bio.html |date=April 18, 2007 }}, nba.com, accessed June 16, 2007.

To bring further credibility to the Raptors, Grunwald traded Marcus Camby to the New York Knicks for Charles Oakley,[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199899.html 1998–99: Raptors' Best Season Ever] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065027/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199899.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed June 16, 2007. a veteran with playoff experience. Kevin Willis, another veteran acquired from the trade, solidified the centre position, while the coaching staff temporarily rotated Brown, Williams and Doug Christie to play point guard. Both Christie and Williams became talented players in their own right; Christie developed into one of the elite defenders in the NBA, while Williams improved his play on the offensive end. New coach Butch Carter was also credited with much of the team's turnaround during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season. Although the team did not make the playoffs, many were optimistic with the impressive performances of Rookie of the Year Carter and a much improved McGrady.

File:Air Canada Centre and CN Tower from Bay St.jpg (then known as Air Canada Centre) in 1999]]

During the 1999 NBA draft, believing that the Raptors still lacked a strong frontcourt presence, Grunwald traded first-round draft pick Jonathan Bender for a power forward, Antonio Davis of the Indiana Pacers. Davis quickly entered the Raptors starting line-up and he would develop into an All-Star in the coming years. Conversely, Bender would only play nine seasons and would be out of the league by age 29.[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/antonio_davis/ Antonio Davis Bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530002656/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/antonio_davis/ |date=May 30, 2009 }}, nba.com, accessed April 8, 2008. In the backcourt, Carter, Christie, and Dell Curry played at the shooting guard position and Alvin Williams and Muggsy Bogues at point guard. The rotation of Davis, Oakley, and Willis in the frontcourt and Carter's and McGrady's improvement helped the team make its first-ever playoff appearance, fulfilling a promise Carter had made to fans in the previous season.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199900.html 1999-00: Future Looks Bright for Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065031/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/199900.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed June 16, 2007. Lacking significant postseason experience, Toronto was defeated 3–0 by the New York Knicks in the first round. Nonetheless, team improvements and the rise of Carter—who emphatically won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest—attracted many fans around Toronto, many of whom were previously not basketball fans. The season was also the first full year played at the Air Canada Centre, after having played four years at the cavernous SkyDome, which was better suited to baseball and Canadian football. Overall, the Raptors concluded the season with a 45–37 record.[http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19992000.html 1999–2000 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107115734/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19992000.html |date=January 7, 2014 }}, nba.com/history, accessed June 16, 2007.

Still, playoff failures and Butch Carter's media altercations surrounding Camby led Grunwald to replace Carter prior to the 2000–01 season with Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Fame coach and player with more than 30 years of coaching experience.[http://www.nba.com/history/players/wilkens_bio.html Lenny Wilkens Bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503065911/http://www.nba.com/history/players/wilkens_bio.html |date=May 3, 2016 }}, nba.com/history, accessed June 16, 2007. The team roster was also largely revamped, including the signing of veteran playmaker Mark Jackson on a four-year contract.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200001.html 2000–01: Raptors Taste Playoff Success] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065045/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200001.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed April 21, 2007. When Alvin Williams later emerged as a clutch performer,[http://www.raptorshq.com/2009/4/11/1115742/tip-in-toronto-raptors-post-game Not Just Any Williams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323165836/http://www.raptorshq.com/2009/4/11/1115742/tip-in-toronto-raptors-post-game |date=March 23, 2012 }}, raptorshq.com, accessed May 9, 2011. Jackson was traded to allow Williams more playing time. In the 2000 off-season, free-agent McGrady opted to leave the Raptors in a sign-and-trade deal worth $67.5 million over six years, while giving a conditional draft pick as part of the agreement to the Orlando Magic for a first-round draft pick.

[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tracy_mcgrady/bio.html Tracy McGrady Info Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419063942/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tracy_mcgrady/bio.html |date=April 19, 2013 }}, nba.com, accessed June 16, 2007.

File:Lipofsky Vince Carter.jpg, drafted fifth in the 1998 NBA draft, played his first six seasons in the NBA with the Raptors]]

As predicted by analysts, the team easily secured a berth in the 2001 NBA playoffs with a franchise-high 47 wins. The Raptors won their first-ever playoff series as they defeated New York 3–2, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in franchise history.[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2001/quarter/east4/?nav=SiteFragment NBA Playoffs 2001] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411000015/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2001/quarter/east4/?nav=SiteFragment |date=April 11, 2016 }}, nba.com, accessed June 16, 2007. Wilkens was praised for having Williams defend shooting guard Allan Houston and Carter defend small forward Latrell Sprewell, the two major Knicks offensive threats. The series with Philadelphia 76ers was a landmark for the Raptors in terms of performance and entertainment value. The Sixers relied on Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo for their respective offensive and defensive abilities, along with steady help from Aaron McKie. Toronto was the more balanced team with Carter, Alvin Williams and Davis providing much of the offensive game and Chris Childs and Jerome Williams on defence. The series came down to the last few seconds of Game 7, when Carter's potential series-winning shot rolled off the rim.Associated Press. [http://www.nba.com/games/20010520/TORPHI/recap.html Philadelphia Rapts Up Series With Toronto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213043042/http://www.nba.com/games/20010520/TORPHI/recap.html |date=December 13, 2009 }}, nba.com, May 20, 2001, accessed April 20, 2007. Carter was later widely criticized for attending his graduation ceremony at the University of North Carolina on the morning of Game 7, as he scored only 20 points on 6-for-18 shooting after a 39-point performance in Game 6.Maaddi, Rob, [https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/carter-criticized-after-loss-1.284617 "Carter criticized after loss"] cbc.ca, May 21, 2001, accessed April 21, 2007.Ganguli, Tania, [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2010/05/16/in-his-first-eastern-conference-finals-vince-carter-lets-go-of-the-past/ "In his first Eastern Conference Finals, Vince Carter lets go of the past"], articles.orlandosentinel.com, May 16, 2010, accessed May 14, 2011. Despite the loss, the season is generally considered a watermark for the franchise, given the Raptors' franchise high of 47 wins and advancing beyond the first round of the playoffs.[http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20002001.html 2000–01 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411000024/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20002001.html |date=April 11, 2016 }}, nba.com/history, accessed June 16, 2007.

The relocation of the Vancouver Grizzlies to Memphis, Tennessee in 2001, as the Memphis Grizzlies, left Toronto as the NBA's only Canadian team.[http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/about/history.html Grizzlies History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123053611/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/about/history.html |date=January 23, 2012 }}, nba.com/grizzlies, accessed June 16, 2007. In the summer of 2001, long-term contracts were given to Alvin Williams, Jerome Williams and Davis, while former NBA MVP centre Hakeem Olajuwon was signed to provide Carter with good support.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200102.html 2001–02: Raptors Face Adversity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065036/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200102.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed June 16, 2007. The Raptors appeared to be on their way to another competitive season with a 29–21 record going into the All-Star break and with Carter the top vote-getter for the All-Star game for the third consecutive year. Carter then suffered a bout of patellar tendinitis (also known as "jumper's knee"),[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/vince-carter-out-four-weeks-1.327030 Vince Carter out four weeks] . cbc.ca, November 8, 2002, accessed November 15, 2011. forcing him to miss the All-Star game and the rest of the season, and without their franchise player, Toronto lost 13 consecutive games. However, they were able to win 12 of their last 14 games, clinching a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. The comeback featured some of the Raptors' best defence of the season, along with inspired performances by Davis and Keon Clark.

Despite Toronto's improved defensive performances, Carter's offence was sorely missed in the first-round series against the second-seeded Detroit Pistons. In the first game, Detroit overwhelmed Toronto 83–65, largely due to Ben Wallace's strong performance of 19 points, 20 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals.[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores102/102111/102111320.htm Raptors vs. Pistons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212010609/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores102/102111/102111320.htm |date=February 12, 2011 }}, usatoday.com, April 21, 2002, accessed April 21, 2007. Detroit also won Game 2, but Toronto won the next two games at home to force a deciding and tightly contested Game 5 in Detroit. With 10.7 seconds left in the game, and the Raptors down 85–82 with possession of the ball, Childs raced down the court and shot a three-pointer that missed badly, apparently trying to draw a foul on the play,[http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html Raptors vs. Pistons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805073059/http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html |date=August 5, 2016 }}, nba.com, May 2, 2002, accessed June 16, 2007. instead of passing to a wide-open Curry. In a post-game locker room interview, Childs repeatedly insisted that the Raptors had been down four points, not three. The Raptors' late-season surge was thus marred by a disappointing playoff exit; the Olajuwon experiment was also a bust, with the 39-year-old averaging career lows in minutes, points and rebounds.[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/hakeem_olajuwon/index.html Hakeem Olajuwon Info Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212023525/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/hakeem_olajuwon/index.html |date=February 12, 2007 }}, nba.com, accessed April 21, 2007. Furthermore, Childs, Clark and Curry left the team, ensuring a new-look team for the next season.

File:Raptors Blazers jump ball 2004.jpg during the 2004–05 season. The Raptors were moved to the NBA's Atlantic Division prior to the start of that season.]]

The 2002–03 season began with the same optimism that the Raptors exhibited in three consecutive playoff seasons, although it faded early. Carter, while voted as a starter in the 2003 All-Star Game, suffered a knee injury, while Davis expressed disinterest in Toronto and Wilkens' laissez-faire attitude created a team that lacked the motivation and spirit of the previous years' teams. The team was ravaged with injuries, losing an NBA record number of player games due to injury.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200203.html 2002–03: Injuries Halt High Hopes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065041/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200203.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed June 16, 2007. Furthermore, the Raptors recorded the dubious honour of being the only team in NBA history not to dress 12 players for a single game in a season. Wilkens was criticized heavily by the Toronto media for his inability to clamp down on his players when necessary, especially given this was the year that Wilkens overtook Bill Fitch for the most losses by an NBA coach,[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-wilkens-ties-futility-record-1.401844 "Raptors' Wilkens ties futility record"], cbc.ca, April 2, 2003, accessed April 21, 2007. with his loss total getting dangerously close to his win total. The Raptors ended the season with a 24–58 record[http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html 2002–03 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523134756/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html |date=May 23, 2010 }}, nba.com/history, accessed June 16, 2007. and Wilkens was fired. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, when the Raptors were given the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft and brought another star to Toronto in Chris Bosh.

Canadian country singer Shania Twain helped launch the new red Raptors alternate road uniform at the start of the 2003–04 season,[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200304.html 2003–04: Bosh Shines In Dark Season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065043/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200304.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed June 16, 2007. and the jerseys made their debut in a 90–87 season-opening victory on October 29, 2003, against the defending Eastern Conference champions, the New Jersey Nets. Davis and Jerome Williams were traded early in the season for Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall. After 50 games, Toronto was 25–25 and in a position to make the playoffs, but injuries to key players sent the Raptors plummeting down the standings. Rose, Carter and Alvin Williams all suffered injuries as the Raptors struggled to a record of 8–24 in their remaining games. The notable individual season performances were Carter's 22.5 ppg, Marshall's 10.7 rpg, and rookie Bosh, a {{height|ft=6|in=10}} forward-centre, averaging 11.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg and being named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chris_bosh/bio.html Chris Bosh Info Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219144243/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chris_bosh/bio.html |date=February 19, 2007 }}, nba.com, accessed June 16, 2007. Williams' knee injury turned out to be career-ending.

For the 2004–05 season, the team moved into the Atlantic Division and the Raptors decided to revamp the team. Raptors' President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Richard Peddie fired Grunwald on April 1, 2004, after the team ended the season three games short of the eighth and final playoff spot in the previous season. Head coach Kevin O'Neill and his four assistant coaches were also dismissed immediately after Grunwald's termination. Toronto interim manager Jack McCloskey said: "While the blame for that certainly does not rest on O'Neill and his staff alone, we need a change."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/us_sport/3634099.stm "Toronto sack O'Neill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040512193009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/us_sport/3634099.stm |date=May 12, 2004 }}, bbc.co.uk, April 17, 2004, accessed April 21, 2007. Rob Babcock was named general manager on June 7, 2004, alongside the appointments of Wayne Embry as senior advisor and Alex English as director of player development.{{cite news|title=Raptors Announce Basketball Operations Staff|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/gm_hire_040607.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=June 7, 2004|access-date=April 21, 2007|archive-date=November 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118081945/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/gm_hire_040607.html|url-status=live}} Sam Mitchell, a former NBA forward and assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, was hired as new head coach of the Raptors.{{cite news|title=Sam Mitchell Named Raptors Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/sam_mitchell_named_raptors_040629.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=June 29, 2004|access-date=April 21, 2007|archive-date=November 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118081913/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/sam_mitchell_named_raptors_040629.html|url-status=live}}

File:Chris Bosh.jpg became the face of the Raptors franchise until 2010]]

Babcock's first move as general manager was drafting centre Rafael Araújo—selected eighth overall—in the 2004 NBA draft, in a move that was criticized by fans and analysts, considering highly touted swingman Andre Iguodala was drafted with the next pick.Mannix, Chris, [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/chris_mannix/09/16/raptors/index.html "The truth hurts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213063857/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/chris_mannix/09/16/raptors/index.html |date=February 13, 2009 }}, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, September 16, 2005, accessed April 22, 2007. Babcock signed point guard Rafer Alston to a five-year deal. After Vince Carter's annual charity game, Babcock implicitly revealed to the media that Carter's agent had asked for a trade, confirming Carter's discontent. The Toronto Sun reported that Carter felt he was being misled by the Raptors' hierarchy during the general manager search and had concluded that as long as the managerial structure at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. remained intact, the Raptors would never be an elite team.{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120714050322/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball/NBA/Toronto/2004/07/31/564677.html "Vince speaks, but says little"]}}, slam.canoe.ca, accessed April 22, 2007. Carter was finally traded mid-season, ending his six-year tenure. Toronto received Alonzo Mourning, forwards Eric Williams and Aaron Williams and two mid-to-late future first-round picks from the New Jersey Nets. Mourning chose not to report to Toronto, forcing Babcock to buy out the remainder of his contract[http://www.insidehoops.com/mourning-raptors-buyout-021105.shtml "Raptors, Alonzo Mourning end contract"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117105336/http://insidehoops.com/mourning-raptors-buyout-021105.shtml |date=November 17, 2011 }}, insidehoops.com, February 11, 2005, accessed April 21, 2007. at a reported $10 million, leaving him free to sign with the Miami Heat. Eric and Aaron Williams were supposed to add defensive toughness and rebounding, but were generally under-utilized for the entire season. Analysts had predicted Babcock got the bad end of the deal,Burns, Marty [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/12/17/carter.trade.analysis/index.html "Trade Analysis: Carter heads south of border"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102220227/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/12/17/carter.trade.analysis/index.html |date=November 2, 2012 }}, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, December 17, 2004, accessed April 21, 2007. and the trade eventually cost him his job.

Carter's departure heralded a new era for Toronto. Bosh stepped up to the role of franchise player[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200405.html 2004–05: End of the Carter Era] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220065033/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200405.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed April 21, 2007. and performed well in his sophomore campaign, ranking tenth in the league in defensive rebounds. In contrast to Bosh's emergence, Araújo struggled to keep a spot in the line-up, and became unpopular with fans and local media.Associated Press. [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2475953 "Raptors trade bust Araujo to Jazz for two"], sports.espn.go.com, June 8, 2006, accessed April 21, 2007. Although the ACC was often well-attended due to the Raptors' 22–19 home record,

[http://www.nba.com/raptors/schedule/results_2004.html Raptors Schedules & Results 2004–2005] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128014052/http://www.nba.com/raptors/schedule/results_2004.html |date=January 28, 2007 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed April 21, 2007.

their inability to win on the road (11–30) and a poor defensive record made Mitchell's first year as head coach unimpressive. Additionally, Mitchell had problems dealing with Alston, who openly expressed his unhappiness with Mitchell in a post-game interview.[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/mitchell-alston-feud-brews-as-toronto-heads-to-cleveland-1.494229 "Mitchell-Alston feud brews as Toronto heads to Cleveland"], cbc.ca, December 4, 2004, accessed April 21, 2007. Later in the season, Alston was suspended two games for "conduct detrimental to the team" for reportedly walking out of a scrimmage during practice.[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/alston-benched-in-raptors-loss-1.565407 "Alston benched in Raptors loss"], cbc.ca, February 9, 2005, accessed April 21, 2007. Notwithstanding the unrest, in their first season competing in the Atlantic Division, Toronto maintained the same regular season record of 33–49 as the previous season.

File:José Manuel Calderón in 2006.jpg with the Raptors during the 2005–06 season. The Raptors signed Calderon as a free agent in the 2005 off-season as a backup for Mike James.]]

The Raptors continued to rebuild during the 2005 NBA draft, selecting Charlie Villanueva, Joey Graham, Roko Ukić and Uroš Slokar, with Villanueva's selection being very controversial amongst basketball pundits and Raptors fans alike.[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-send-villanueva-packing-1.622235 "Raptors send Villanueva packing"], cbc.ca, June 30, 2006, accessed April 21, 2007. The Raptors started their training camp by trading Alston to the Houston Rockets for Mike James and signing free agent José Calderón as a backup for James. Despite the infusion of new players, Toronto's overall 2005–06 season was a disappointment; they set a franchise record by losing their first nine games[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_051120.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103054602/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_051120.html |date=January 3, 2008 }}, nba.com/raptors, November 20, 2005, accessed April 23, 2007. and 15 out of their first 16 games.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200506.html Raptors Hit Jackpot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219055141/http://www.nba.com/raptors/history/200506.html |date=February 19, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed April 12, 2007. With losses mounting and media scrutiny intensifying, the Raptors hired ex-Purdue coach Gene Keady as an assistant off the bench to help develop the young Raptors team and establish a defensive persona for the team. On January 15, 2006, the Raptors set a franchise points record in a 129–103 win over the Knicks when Villanueva hit a three-pointer late in the game.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_060115.html Raptors Post Up"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106114545/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_060115.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, January 15, 2006, accessed April 12, 2007. But less than a week later, the Raptors gave up an 18-point lead against the Los Angeles Lakers and allowed Lakers star Kobe Bryant to score 81 points, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.Webb, Royce, [https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-060123 "Kobe makes records wilt"], sports.espn.go.com, January 23, 2006, accessed April 23, 2007. With media scrutiny intensifying once more and the Raptors entrenched at the bottom of the league in defensive field goal percentage,[http://www.nba.com/preview2006/tor.html 2006–07 Season Preview: Toronto Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130094417/http://www.nba.com/preview2006/tor.html |date=November 30, 2006 }}, nba.com, accessed April 23, 2007. CEO Richard Peddie fired Babcock.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/announcement_PR___060126.html "Rob Babcock Relieved of Duties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220085036/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/announcement_PR___060126.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, January 26, 2006, accessed April 21, 2007.

The 2005–06 season was not a total disaster. Villanueva's play impressed both fans and former critics as he came in second in NBA Rookie of the Year[http://www.nba.com/news/awards2006_rookie.html Hornets' Paul Named the 2005–06 T-Mobile Rookie of the Year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202012001/http://www.nba.com/news/awards2006_rookie.html |date=February 2, 2007 }}, nba.com, May 10, 2006, accessed April 23, 2007. and recorded 48 points in an overtime loss to Milwaukee Bucks, the most points scored by any rookie in franchise history and the most by a rookie in the NBA since 1997.

[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/charlie_villanueva/bio.html Charlie Villanueva Info Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024162000/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/charlie_villanueva/bio.html |date=October 24, 2007 }}, nba.com, accessed April 12, 2007.

Bosh was also named a reserve forward for the Eastern All-Star Team in the 2006 game, becoming the third Raptor after Vince Carter and Antonio Davis to appear in an All-Star Game. On February 27, 2006, the team named Bryan Colangelo, the 2004–05 NBA Executive of the Year, the president and general manager of the Raptors.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_colangelo_060228.html "Colangelo Named Raptors President and General Manager"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220083551/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_colangelo_060228.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, February 28, 2006, accessed April 23, 2007. Known for his success in transforming a lottery Phoenix team into a 62-win offensive juggernaut, his hiring gave hope to many fans. Still, Toronto ended the season weakly when Bosh suffered a season-ending thumb injury.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_060327.html "Charlie Villanueva Nets 48 in OT Loss in Milwaukee"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509070552/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_060327.html |date=May 9, 2020 }}, nba.com/raptors, March 26, 2006, accessed April 23, 2007. The Raptors lost ten consecutive games after Bosh's injury

[http://www.nba.com/raptors/schedule/results_2005.html Raptors Schedules & Results 2005–2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106224427/http://www.nba.com/raptors/schedule/results_2005.html |date=January 6, 2016 }}, nba.com/raptors, accessed April 23, 2007.

and finished the season with the fifth worst record (27–55) in the NBA.[http://www.nba.com/standings/2005/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html 2005–06 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220221928/http://www.nba.com/standings/2005/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com, accessed April 23, 2007.

The 2006–07 season represented a watershed year for the Raptors franchise. The roster was overhauled, including the selection of 2006 NBA draft number one pick Andrea Bargnani, the acquisition of point guard T. J. Ford in exchange for Villanueva, and the signing of shooting guard Anthony Parker and small forward Jorge Garbajosa.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_bosh_071406.html "Raptors re-sign star forward Chris Bosh to contract extension"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509070614/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/CP_bosh_071406.html |date=May 9, 2020 }}, nba.com, July 14, 2006, accessed May 9, 2011. Bosh was given a three-year contract extension, while Maurizio Gherardini of Benetton Treviso was hired as the club's vice-president and assistant general manager.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_062206.html "Raptors Name Gherardini To Basketball Staff"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220083859/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_062206.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, June 22, 2006, accessed June 17, 2007.

File:Toronto raptors 0607z.jpg (No. 18) and Jorge Garbajosa (No. 15) with the Raptors during the 2006–07 season. Parker and Garbajosa were signed by the Raptors in the 2006 off-season.]]

The first half of the season produced mixed results as Toronto struggled towards the .500 mark.Smalls, Anthony, [http://www.nba.com/aroundtheassociation/raptors_revival.html "The Rebirth of the Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517011556/http://www.nba.com/aroundtheassociation/raptors_revival.html |date=May 17, 2007 }}, nba.com, April 12, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. After the All-Star break, Bargnani continued to work on his defence and shooting (averaging 14.3 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game in 12 games for the month of February 2007), and he was selected as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for the second straight time on March 1, 2007.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pr_bargnani030107.html "Bargnani Named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116010950/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pr_bargnani030107.html |date=January 16, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, March 1, 2007, accessed March 23, 2007. Bargnani became the third Raptor ever to win the award twice, joining Vince Carter and Damon Stoudamire. Toronto ended the regular season with a 47–35 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2007 NBA playoffs along with the Atlantic Division title, as well as homecourt advantage for the first time in franchise history.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_041507.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021022846/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_041507.html |date=October 21, 2020 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 15, 2007, accessed June 17, 2007.[http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html 2006–07 Standings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044514/http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html |date=January 8, 2012 }}, nba.com, accessed April 22, 2007. Bosh was voted to start in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-bosh-voted-all-star-starter-1.658705 "Raptors voted all-star starter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026142635/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-bosh-voted-all-star-starter-1.658705 |date=October 26, 2020 }} cbc.ca, January 25, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. The Raptors were also praised for their improved defence, ball-sharing and tremendous team chemistry.Schuhmann, John, [http://www.nba.com/features/schuhmann.html "Testing the Bosh Theory"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512192930/http://www.nba.com/features/schuhmann.html |date=May 12, 2007 }}, nba.com, March 23, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. Colangelo, Gherardini and Mitchell were credited with Toronto's turnaround this season,Feschuk, Dave, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/205725 "Italian building block"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926120001/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/205725 |date=September 26, 2012 }}, thestar.com, April 21, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. which was one of the best in NBA history in terms of league standing and defensive ranking.Pelton, Kevin, [http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/preview070311.html "Insider Preview – Sonics at Toronto"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824095941/http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/preview070311.html |date=August 24, 2017 }}, nba.com/sonics, March 11, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. Mitchell was subsequently named the 2006–07 NBA Coach of the Year, the first coach in Raptors history to receive the honour,[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/samcoy_042407.html "Sam Mitchell Named 2006–07 Coach of the Year"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220084621/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/samcoy_042407.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 24, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. while Colangelo was named 2006–07 Executive of the Year.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/colangelo_eoy051407.html Colangelo Named 2006–07 NBA Executive Of The Year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220084133/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/colangelo_eoy051407.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, May 14, 2007, accessed May 16, 2007.

On April 24, 2007, the Raptors won their first playoff game in five seasons, with an 89–83 victory over the New Jersey Nets,[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_042407.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510192133/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_042407.html |date=May 10, 2007 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 24, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. but lost the series 4–2.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_050407.html Raptors Post Up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106095359/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/postup_050407.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, May 4, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. The series was notable for pitting ex-Raptor Vince Carter against his former team. The Nets took home court advantage in Game 1, holding off a late Raptors rally in the fourth quarter. The Raptors pulled away in another tight game to even the series at one game apiece. When the series shifted to New Jersey, the Nets took charge of the series, winning Games 3 and 4 in routs. New Jersey had a chance to win the series in game 5 in Toronto, but the Raptors took a 20-point lead after one quarter. Still, New Jersey chipped away and had a chance to win the game, but Boštjan Nachbar's three-pointer missed at the buzzer. Needing to win in New Jersey to force a game 7, Toronto held a one-point lead with under a minute to play in game 6, but Richard Jefferson hit a layup with eight seconds left to play. Toronto attempted to try for the game-winning shot, but Jefferson intercepted a pass to seal the series for the Nets.

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = horizontal

| image1 = Jorge Garbajosa.JPG

| width1 = 146

| image2 = Chris Bosh.JPG

| width2 = 110

| footer = Jorge Garbajosa (left) and Chris Bosh (right) during the 2007–08 season. Injuries to both players during the season derailed the possibility for the Raptors to defend their 2007 Atlantic Division title.

}}

Several changes to the roster were made before the 2007–08 campaign as Toronto sought to reproduce the same form as the previous campaign. Most notably, the Raptors acquired Carlos Delfino in a trade with Detroit for two second-round draft picks,[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/release_061507.html Raptors Acquire Carlos Delfino From Pistons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210130219/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/release_061507.html |date=February 10, 2012 }}, nba.com/raptors, June 15, 2007, accessed July 22, 2007. and signed Jamario Moon[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/moonpr_071007.html Raptors Sign Jamario Moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220083709/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/moonpr_071007.html |date=February 20, 2010 }}, nba.com/raptors, July 10, 2007, accessed July 22, 2007. and three-point specialist Jason Kapono as free agents.Ulmer, Mike, [http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/kaponoulmer_071207.html "Kapono Happy to be Joining Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106064609/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/kaponoulmer_071207.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, July 12, 2007, accessed July 13, 2007. On the other hand, veteran swingman Morris Peterson joined the New Orleans Hornets.[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/hornets-ink-morris-peterson-for-4-years-1.659052 Hornets ink Morris Peterson for 4 years], cbc.ca, July 23, 2007, accessed August 9, 2007. Despite being defending division champions, the Raptors were widely tipped as outside contenders for the division and conference titles.Feschuk, Dave, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/272155 "Raptors will defend crown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163803/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/272155 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, October 31, 2007, accessed November 1, 2007. However, Toronto quickly fell behind Boston in the division, as Bargnani's inability to play well consistently, along with injuries to Garbajosa (75 games), Bosh (15 games) and Ford (31 games), derailed the possibility of a smooth campaign.

The Raptors finished 41–41, six fewer wins than the previous season, but still good enough for a playoff spot as the sixth seed. They were pitted against Dwight Howard and the resurgent Orlando Magic. In Game 1, Dwight Howard gave the Magic their first playoff win since 2003 as they practically led the entire game.[http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/TORORL/recap.html Dwight Howard's 20–20 Game Leads Magic Past Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102234046/http://www.nba.com/games/20080420/TORORL/recap.html |date=November 2, 2012 }}, NBA.com Howard would put up a 29–20 in Game 2, as Hedo Türkoğlu scored the final four go-ahead points to give the Magic a 2–0 lead. The Raptors would respond with a strong Game 3 victory keyed by great point guard play from Ford and José Calderon. However, Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and Keith Bogans keyed strong three-point shooting in Game 4 and overcame Bosh's 39 points and 15 rebounds to bring the Magic out of Toronto with a 3–1 lead. Howard would finish off the series in Game 5 as impressively as he started: 21 points, 21 rebounds, 3 blocks.[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html 2007–08 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101163900/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html |date=January 1, 2021 }}, basketball-reference.com, accessed May 4, 2008.Ulmer, Mike, [http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmerendofseason_043008.html "Raptors Head Home For The Summer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106165154/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/ulmerendofseason_043008.html |date=January 6, 2009 }}, nba.com/raptors, April 30, 2008, accessed May 4, 2008. Whereas the preceding season was considered a success, the 2007–08 campaign was considered a disappointment. Weaknesses in Toronto's game—rebounding, defence, and a lack of a swingman—were brought into sharp focus during the playoffs, and changes were expected to be made to the roster.

As it turned out, a blockbuster trade was agreed in principle before the 2008–09 campaign: six-time All-Star Jermaine O'Neal was acquired from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ford (who had become expendable with the emergence of Calderón), Rasho Nesterović, Maceo Baston, and Roy Hibbert, the 17th pick in the 2008 NBA draft, giving the Raptors a potential boost in the frontcourt.Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/449548 "Blockbuster deal for Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163908/https://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/449548 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, June 26, 2008, accessed June 27, 2008. Meanwhile, Bargnani, who had spent the summer working on his interior game, was projected to come off the bench. The Raptors also introduced a black alternate road jersey for the season similar to the earlier purple design that was dropped a few seasons ago. It had a maple leaf featured on the back neck of the jersey, symbolizing the Raptors as "Canada's team".[https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/506400 Raptors unveil new alternate road uniforms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020163955/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/506400 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, September 25, 2008, accessed October 14, 2008. Despite the introduction of O'Neal, who brought home the rebounds and the blocks, and a much improved Bargnani, the Raptors were too inconsistent. Following an 8–9 start to the season, Mitchell was fired and replaced by long-time assistant Jay Triano.[http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html Mitchell Relieved Of Duties, Jay Triano Takes Over On Interim Basis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206081910/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html |date=December 6, 2008 }}, nba.com/raptors, December 3, 2008, accessed December 3, 2008. Triano tweaked the starting line-up to no avail as the Raptors fell to 21–34 prior to the All-Star break. O'Neal and Moon were then traded to Miami for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks,

Aldridge, David, [http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/02/13/heatraptorstrade.20090213/index.html "Raptors trade O'Neal, Moon to Heat for Marion, Banks"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215212758/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/02/13/heatraptorstrade.20090213/index.html |date=February 15, 2009 }}, nba.com, February 13, 2009, accessed February 14, 2009.

but with the losses mounting, the Raptors soon fell out of the playoffs picture and were eliminated from contention with seven games of the regular season remaining.[http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/NYKTOR/recap.html Chandler scores 17, Knicks beat Raptors 112–103] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409065205/http://www.nba.com/games/20090405/NYKTOR/recap.html |date=April 9, 2009 }}, nba.com, April 5, 2009, accessed April 11, 2009. The Raptors eventually finished with a 33–49 record[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html 2008–09 NBA Season Summary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203051/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html |date=June 4, 2011 }}, basketball-reference.com, accessed April 16, 2009. and headed into the next season with a potential overhaul of the core: Marion could become a free agent; Bosh could become one after 2009–10; Parker would soon turn 35; and Bargnani had his breakthrough season. On May 12, 2009, Triano was given a three-year term for the position of head coach.Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/article/632678 "Raptors hand the reins to Triano"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020164026/http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/632678 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, May 12, 2009, accessed May 13, 2009.

The inevitable roster shakeup for the 2009–10 season began when Kapono was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for the aggressive veteran forward Reggie Evans.[http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/090609_Kapono.html Philadelphia 76ers Acquire Forward Jason Kapono From Toronto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612112231/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/090609_Kapono.html |date=June 12, 2009 }}, nba.com accessed June 15, 2009. Toronto then drafted DeMar DeRozan with the ninth pick, enabling them to fill a spot on the wings.[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2009/news/story?id=4287558 Griffin top pick in NBA draft], sports.espn.go.com, June 26, 2009, accessed June 27, 2009. This was followed by the signing of free agent Hedo Türkoğlu, which in turn led to a sign-and-trade agreement involving four teams, with Toronto landing wing players Devean George (later traded for Marco Belinelli) and Antoine Wright, while releasing Marion, Kris Humphries and Nathan Jawai.Stein, Marc, [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4316885 "Four-team trade gets league OK"], sports.espn.go.com, July 9, 2009, accessed July 10, 2009. Around the same time, Parker headed for the Cleveland Cavaliers,[http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/07/10/sports/nh1154945.txt Cavs, Parker have a deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714161146/http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/07/10/sports/nh1154945.txt |date=July 14, 2009 }}, news-herald.com, July 10, 2009, accessed July 12, 2009. while Indiana point guard Jarrett Jack was added and Nesterovič brought back to provide cover for the big men. Finally, Delfino and Ukić were moved to the Milwaukee Bucks for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems.[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4412174 Bogut aiming for training camp], sports.espn.go.com, accessed August 24, 2009. It became increasingly clear that Colangelo, in securing a credible nucleus for the future, was doing this to persuade Bosh to stay beyond 2010.Grange, Michael, "Jack could provide fringe benefits for struggling Raptors", The Globe and Mail, July 12, 2009. While the Raptors were off to a sluggish start, they picked up the pace around the All-Star break, reaching a season-high seven games above .500 and standing fifth in the Eastern Conference.[https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201002200TOR.html Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors Box Score] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230025948/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201002200TOR.html |date=December 30, 2017 }}, basketball-reference.com, February 20, 2010, accessed May 9, 2011. Bosh was recording career-highs in points and rebounds per game. However, a season-ending injury to Bosh after the break coincided with Toronto's descent down the standings from the fifth seed to the eighth, and they ultimately relinquished their spot to Chicago a few games before the regular season ended.MacKenzie, Holly, [http://www.nba.com/games/20100411/CHITOR/gameinfo.html "Bulls top Raptors in showdown for last Eastern playoff spot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126142335/http://www.nba.com/games/20100411/CHITOR/gameinfo.html |date=November 26, 2009 }}, nba.com, April 11, 2010, accessed May 8, 2011.

File:Kyle Lowry (17283761882).jpg was acquired by the Raptors in a trade with the Houston Rockets during the 2012 off-season]]

Before the 2010–11 season began, there was much anticipation around the league over the fates of an elite pack of free agents, featuring the likes of Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Bosh and James eventually chose to converge in Miami with Wade, and the sign-and-trade transaction that ensued resulted in the Raptors receiving two first-round draft picks and a trade exception from Miami.Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/chrisbosh/article/834440--raptors-acquire-two-first-round-picks-trade-exception-for-bosh "Raptors acquire two first-round picks, trade exception for Bosh"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713175640/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/chrisbosh/article/834440--raptors-acquire-two-first-round-picks-trade-exception-for-bosh |date=July 13, 2010 }}, thestar.com, July 10, 2010, accessed July 10, 2010. Prior to this, Toronto had drafted Ed Davis, also a left-handed power forward like Bosh. After Bosh left, Colangelo sought to trade Calderón, Evans and the disenchanted Türkoğlu for Tyson Chandler, Leandro Barbosa, and Boris Diaw,Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/835043--raptor-rebuild-decidedly-sun-ny "Raptor rebuild decidedly Sun-ny"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715074711/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/835043--raptor-rebuild-decidedly-sun-ny |date=July 15, 2010 }}, thestar.com, July 12, 2010, accessed July 13, 2010. but the trade involving Chandler collapsed at the last minute, as Chandler was traded to the Dallas Mavericks instead.[https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/835522--bobcats-send-tyson-chandler-to-dallas-not-toronto Bobcats send Tyson Chandler to Dallas, not Toronto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717012105/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/835522--bobcats-send-tyson-chandler-to-dallas-not-toronto |date=July 17, 2010 }}, thestar.com, July 14, 2010, accessed July 14, 2010. Belinelli was then traded to New Orleans Hornets for Julian Wright,[http://raptorsrepublic.com/2010/08/11/espn-raptors-trade-marco-belinelli-to-hornets-for-julian-wright/ Maroco Belinelli Traded to New Orleans For Julian Wright] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817012303/http://raptorsrepublic.com/2010/08/11/espn-raptors-trade-marco-belinelli-to-hornets-for-julian-wright/ |date=August 17, 2010 }}, raptorsrepublic.com, August 11, 2010, accessed August 11, 2010. and 13 games into the season, Jack, David Andersen, and Marcus Banks to New Orleans for Peja Stojaković and Jerryd Bayless.Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/894261--raptors-trade-jack-for-stojakovic "Raptors trade Jack for Stojakovic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402045538/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/894261--raptors-trade-jack-for-stojakovic |date=April 2, 2012 }}, thestar.com, November 20, 2010, accessed November 21, 2010. Bosh's first return to Toronto was received to a chorus of boos, but not as nearly as harsh as what former Raptors Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter received upon their respective returns.Smith, Doug, [https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/940349--bosh-shrugs-off-boos-as-heat-down-raptors-103-95 "Bosh shrugs off boos as Heat down Raptors 103–95"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402051325/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/raptors/article/940349--bosh-shrugs-off-boos-as-heat-down-raptors-103-95 |date=April 2, 2012 }}, thestar.com, February 16, 2011, accessed November 15, 2011. Without Bosh, Toronto as a team regressed and were only able to secure 22 wins in the regular season.

Dwane Casey, an assistant coach with the Mavericks, was hired as the new head coach of Toronto before the 2011–12 season.[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-hire-casey-as-head-coach/article2068753/ Raptors hire Casey as head coach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002175311/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-hire-casey-as-head-coach/article2068753/ |date=October 2, 2016 }}, globeandmail.com, June 21, 2011, accessed July 1, 2011. The Raptors used their number five pick to select Jonas Valančiūnas, a centre from Lithuania in the 2011 NBA draft. The season was shortened by 16 regular season games due to the 2011 NBA lockout, and the Raptors finished the season with a 23–43 record. During the 2012 off-season, Colangelo tried to lure Canadian free agent and two-time MVP Steve Nash, who had become a free agent after playing for the Phoenix Suns, to play for the Raptors. When Nash joined the Los Angeles Lakers instead, the Raptors acquired point guard Kyle Lowry from the Houston Rockets for a future first-round pick. Lowry, combined with Valančiūnas and the eighth pick in the 2012 draft Terrence Ross, represented the next phase of the re-building process. On January 30, 2013, the Raptors acquired Memphis Grizzlies star Rudy Gay and centre Hamed Haddadi as well as Pistons player Austin Daye in a three-way deal that sent Calderón to the Detroit Pistons and Davis, along with Pistons veteran Tayshaun Prince and a second-round pick to the Grizzlies. Haddadi was later traded, along with a second-round pick, to Phoenix in exchange for guard Sebastian Telfair. The 2012–13 season was the first season since 2009–10 that the Raptors finished the season with a winning home record (21–20), despite their overall losing record (34–48).

File:2014 Toronto Raptors fans Air Canada Centre.jpg]]

During the 2013 off-season, new general manager Masai Ujiri traded Bargnani to the New York Knicks for Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, a future first-round draft pick, and two future second-round picks; Camby and Richardson were both waived shortly after the trade. The Raptors also added Tyler Hansbrough, D. J. Augustin, Dwight Buycks, and Austin Daye via free agency. On December 9, 2013, the Raptors traded Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings for John Salmons, Greivis Vásquez, Patrick Patterson, and Chuck Hayes, and waived Augustin.{{cite news|url=http://blog.raptors.com/press-releases/raptors-kings-120913/|title=Raptors Acquire Vasquez, Salmons, Hayes & Patterson From Kings|work=www.nba.com|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 9, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212075336/http://blog.raptors.com/press-releases/raptors-kings-120913/|url-status=dead}}

During the 2013–14 season, the Raptors were 6–12 before the Rudy Gay trade; after the trade they went on a 10–3 run, as they maintained their lead in the division and rose above the .500 mark for the first time in almost three years. The Raptors entered the All-Star break with a 28–24 record, and DeRozan was also selected to play in the All-Star game, being only the fourth ever Raptor to do so. On March 28, 2014, the Raptors clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2008 after beating the Boston Celtics, 105–103.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140328/BOSTOR/gameinfo.html|title=Celtics at Raptors|website=www.nba.com|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014022320/http://www.nba.com/games/20140328/BOSTOR/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}} On April 11, 2014, the Raptors lost to the New York Knicks, 108–100, but since the division rival Brooklyn Nets lost to the Atlanta Hawks the same night, the Raptors became Atlantic Division champions for the first time since 2007.{{cite news|title=Raptors fall 108-100 to Knicks, secure division title with Brooklyn loss|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/raptors-fall-108-100-to-knicks-secure-division-title-with-brooklyn-loss-1.1772872|publisher=CTV.ca|date=April 11, 2014|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412073428/http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/raptors-fall-108-100-to-knicks-secure-division-title-with-brooklyn-loss-1.1772872|url-status=live}} They finished the regular season with a franchise-high 48 wins (.585), going 42–22 (.656) after the Gay trade, the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors faced the Nets in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007, when the Nets were located in New Jersey. Toronto nearly advanced to the next round, but Paul Pierce blocked a potential game-winner by Lowry in Game 7.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553094|title=Nets vs. Raptors - Game Recap - May 4, 2014 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401105253/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553094|url-status=live}}

File:Jonas Valančiūnas (Toronto at Washington 04.26.15).jpg with the Raptors in the first round of the 2015 playoffs against the Washington Wizards]]

During the 2014–15 season, the Raptors were off to their best start in franchise history: a then-Eastern Conference-leading 24–8 record by the end of 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/standings|title=2015–2016 Division regular season standings|website=www.nba.com|access-date=February 9, 2007|archive-date=February 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208161012/http://www.nba.com/standings/|url-status=live}} On March 27, 2015, the Raptors clinched the Atlantic division title with a 94–83 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the second consecutive year that the Raptors clinched the Atlantic Division title.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-clinch-atlantic-title-with-win-over-lakers/article23676949/|title=Raptors clinch Atlantic title with win over Lakers|author=Brady, Rachel|work=The Globe and Mail|date=March 27, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304230540/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-clinch-atlantic-title-with-win-over-lakers/article23676949/|url-status=live}} On April 11, 2015, the Raptors beat the Miami Heat, Toronto's first road win over the Heat since November 19, 2008, ending a ten-game slide on Miami's home floor. The win was Toronto's 48th of the season and 22nd on the road, both tying franchise records.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-beat-heat-tie-franchise-win-record/article23889942/|title=Raptors beat Heat, tie franchise win record|author=Reynolds, Tim|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|agency=Associated Press|date=April 11, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093954/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-beat-heat-tie-franchise-win-record/article23889942/|url-status=live}} Four days later, the Raptors broke their franchise record with their 49th win of the season. After the 2014–15 season, Louis Williams won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, becoming the first Raptor to do so. The Raptors faced the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2015 playoffs and lost four straight games as the Wizards swept the Raptors.{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/nba/toronto-raptors-embarrassed-by-washington-wizards-in-playoff-sweep-leaving-questions-about-teams-future|title=Toronto Raptors embarrassed by Washington Wizards in playoff sweep, leaving questions about team's future|website=NationalPost.com|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210112955/https://nationalpost.com/category/news/|url-status=live}}

On June 25, 2015, the Raptors selected Delon Wright with their first-round pick in the 2015 NBA draft, along with Norman Powell in the second round. On June 29, the Raptors announced their new NBA G League (then known as the NBA D-League) team, the Mississauga-based Raptors 905, which began play in the 2015–16 season; the team is named after the area code the team represents.{{cite web|last1=Grange|first1=Michael|title=Raptors announce D-League team: 'Raptors 905′|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-announce-d-league-team-raptors-905/|publisher=sportsnet|access-date=June 30, 2015|date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701103117/http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-announce-d-league-team-raptors-905/|url-status=live}} The Raptors added DeMarre Carroll, Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo, and Luis Scola via free agency.

The Raptors opened a new practice facility, the OVO Athletic Centre, originally known as the BioSteel Centre, in Exhibition Place, on February 10, 2016. The Raptors hosted the 2016 NBA All-Star Game on February 14, 2016, and its associated weekend for the first time in its history. With a 105–97 win at home against the Atlanta Hawks on March 30, 2016, the Raptors attained their first-ever 50-win season.{{cite web|last1=Girard|first1=Daniel|title=Raptors beat Hawks 105-97 to notch first 50-win season|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160330/ATLTOR/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nba:scoreboard/|website=www.nba.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|access-date=March 30, 2016|date=March 30, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610150142/http://www.nba.com/games/20160330/ATLTOR/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nba:scoreboard/|url-status=live}} The following day the Raptors clinched the Atlantic Division title for the third consecutive season as a result of a Boston Celtics loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-clinch-atlantic-division-title-celtics-loss-blazers/|title=Raptors clinch Atlantic Division title with Celtics' loss to Blazers - Sportsnet.ca|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103073110/http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-clinch-atlantic-division-title-celtics-loss-blazers/|url-status=live}} The 56–26 record became the best Raptors regular season ever, fourth overall in the league and second only to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. Entering the 2016 playoffs as the East's second seed,MacKenzie, Holly. [http://www.nba.com/raptors/holly-blog/rapspacers-preview-041316 2016 Playoffs: Raptors vs. Pacers Series Preview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502050120/http://www.nba.com/raptors/holly-blog/rapspacers-preview-041316 |date=May 2, 2016 }}. (April 14, 2016) NBA.com the Raptors were pushed to seven games by the Indiana Pacers, but won their first playoff series in 15 years.[http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/demar-derozan-raptors-pacers-game-7-1.3561661 Raptors triumph in Game 7 over Pacers, advance to 2nd round] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505032759/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/demar-derozan-raptors-pacers-game-7-1.3561661 |date=May 5, 2016 }}, CBC Sports Another seven-game series against the Miami Heat ensued, which Toronto also won. The Raptors, who were one of the four teams that never reached the NBA Conference Finals in their histories, appeared in the third round for the first time in their twenty-first season, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers,[http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/raptors-beat-heat-advance-to-conference-finals-1.2903216 Raptors beat Heat, advance to conference finals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516003019/http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/raptors-beat-heat-advance-to-conference-finals-1.2903216 |date=May 16, 2016 }}, CTV News in which they ultimately lost the series 4–2.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors-cleveland-cavaliers-1.3604690|title=Raptors' magic season ends with Game 6 loss to Cavaliers|author=Ian Harrison|publisher=CBC.ca|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2016|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530064011/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors-cleveland-cavaliers-1.3604690|url-status=live}} The Cavaliers advanced to the NBA Finals and became champions.

In preparation for their title push, the Raptors conducted a series of trades, including on February 14, 2017, when Terrence Ross and a first-round pick were traded for Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic,{{Cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/02/14/report-serge-ibaka-toronto-raptors-trade-orlando-magic-terrence-ross#/|title=Orlando Magic trade Serge Ibaka to Toronto Raptors|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|access-date=February 4, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224095455/https://www.nba.com/article/2017/02/14/report-serge-ibaka-toronto-raptors-trade-orlando-magic-terrence-ross#/|url-status=live}} and on February 23, 2017, when Jared Sullinger and two second-round picks were traded for PJ Tucker.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2017/02/23/pj-tucker-trade-raptors|title=Report: Suns trade P.J. Tucker to Raptors for Jared Sullinger|work=SI.com|access-date=February 4, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421214424/https://www.si.com/nba/2017/02/23/pj-tucker-trade-raptors|url-status=live}} During the 2017 NBA playoffs, the third-seeded Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks during the first round 4–2, but lost to the defending champions Cavaliers in the second round 4–0.

File:DeMar DeRozan (25716541587).jpg scored a franchise-record 52 points against the Milwaukee Bucks.]]

On January 1, 2018, DeMar DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points to help the Raptors beat the Milwaukee Bucks 131–127 in overtime, matching the team record with their 12th consecutive home victory. DeRozan became the third player in Raptors history to score 50 or more in a single game—the others being Vince Carter and Terrence Ross, who each had 51.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975292|title=DeRozan scores franchise-high 52, Raptors beat Bucks 131-127|work=ESPN.com|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 1, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106091108/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975292|url-status=live}} On March 7, 2018, Toronto became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot in the 2017–18 season, with a 121–119 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons in Detroit, and set a new franchise record in earliest playoff qualification, doing so in only their 64th game of the season.{{cite web|last1=MacKenzie|first1=Holly|title=Game Preview: Raptors vs. Rockets|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/gameday-030918|website=www.nba.com|access-date=March 10, 2018|date=March 9, 2018|quote=This is the earliest date Toronto has ever qualified for the postseason and the fewest games played (64) to qualify|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310202516/http://www.nba.com/raptors/gameday-030918|url-status=live}} On April 6, 2018, the Raptors became Eastern Conference regular season champions, securing the number one seed for the first time in franchise history with a 92–73 win over the Indiana Pacers, in the process also setting new records for single-season wins at 57 and home wins with 33, with three games remaining on the schedule.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4129761/toronto-raptors-nba-eastern-conference-win-2018/|title=Toronto Raptors beat Indiana Pacers to clinch top spot in NBA's Eastern Conference|work=Global News|access-date=March 7, 2018|date=April 6, 2018|archive-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714125842/https://globalnews.ca/news/4129761/toronto-raptors-nba-eastern-conference-win-2018/|url-status=live}} The Raptors finished the regular season with a franchise-record 59 wins, which was the second-best overall in the league behind only the Houston Rockets.

The Raptors faced off the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs, a rematch of the 2015 playoffs. The Raptors defeated the Wizards 4–2. The Raptors were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, becoming the first number one seed to get swept before the Conference Finals since 1969.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thesportster.com/news/raptors-swept-by-cavaliers/|title=Raptors Make History After Being Swept By The Cavaliers|last=Hoegler|first=Alex|date=May 8, 2018|work=TheSportster|access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630024808/https://www.thesportster.com/news/raptors-swept-by-cavaliers/|url-status=live}} Despite winning Coach of the Year, Casey was subsequently fired as coach on May 11.{{cite web|title=Dwane Casey Relieved Of Head Coaching Duties|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/raptors-coach-casey-relieved|website=Toronto Raptors|access-date=May 13, 2018|date=May 11, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808181552/https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/raptors-coach-casey-relieved|url-status=live}} Nick Nurse was promoted to replace Casey as head coach on June 14.

Toronto's roster underwent two major changes during the 2018–19 season. First, on July 18, DeRozan was traded, along with Jakob Pöltl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick, to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-obtain-demar-derozan-jakob-poeltl-and-first-round-pick-raptors-exchange-kawhi-leonard-and|title=Spurs obtain Demar DeRozan, Jacob Poeltl and first round pick from raptors in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green|website=www.nba.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|date=July 18, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2018|archive-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606033707/https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-obtain-demar-derozan-jakob-poeltl-and-first-round-pick-raptors-exchange-kawhi-leonard-and|url-status=live}} Leonard was a two-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, but owing to the short length of his contract, there was uncertainty over his longer-term future with the franchise.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/kawhi-leonard-toronto-raptors-rest-plan-11557321327|last=Cohen|first=Ben|title=Kawhi Leonard Spent the NBA Season Hibernating. Now He's Dominating|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=May 28, 2019|date=May 8, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113131924/https://www.wsj.com/articles/kawhi-leonard-toronto-raptors-rest-plan-11557321327|url-status=live}} Secondly, during the trade deadline, the Raptors traded Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright, C. J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol—another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year—and signed Jeremy Lin shortly thereafter.{{cite news|title=Raptors close deal for Marc Gasol|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/02/07/marc-gasol-toronto-raptors-report-trade|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=February 7, 2019|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209230645/http://www.nba.com/article/2019/02/07/marc-gasol-toronto-raptors-report-trade|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/raptors-get-gasol-from-grizzlies-1.1253844|title=Raptors get Gasol from Grizzlies - TSN.ca|date=February 7, 2019|website=TSN|access-date=February 12, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729193513/https://www.tsn.ca/raptors-get-gasol-from-grizzlies-1.1253844|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Raptors Sign Jeremy Lin |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-release/raptors-sign-jeremy-lin |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=www.nba.com |date=February 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214054313/https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-release/raptors-sign-jeremy-lin |url-status=live }} The Raptors got off to a 6–0 start, a franchise record.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2018/10/26/raptors-stop-mavericks-for-franchise-best-start-at-6-0.html|last=Armstrong|first=Laura|title=Raptors stop Mavericks for franchise-best start at 6-0|work=Toronto Star|publisher=Torstar Corporation|access-date=November 10, 2018|date=October 26, 2018|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091332/https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2018/10/26/raptors-stop-mavericks-for-franchise-best-start-at-6-0.html|url-status=live}} Winning their 16th game on November 23, the Raptors broke their franchise record for the best start through 20 games with a 16–4 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/kawhi-leonard-leads-raptors-win-wizards/|title=Kawhi Leonard leads Raptors to win over Wizards|date=November 23, 2018|access-date=November 24, 2018|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|work=Sportsnet|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220037/https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/kawhi-leonard-leads-raptors-win-wizards/|url-status=live}} They reached the 20-win mark quicker than any time in their history when they won the 24th game of their season on December 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4720294/leonard-raptors-eighth-straight-win/|title=Leonard leads Raptors to victory over Cavaliers in eighth straight win|work=Global News|last=Withers|first=Tom|publisher=Corus Entertainment Inc.|date=December 2, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2018|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717184017/https://globalnews.ca/news/4720294/leonard-raptors-eighth-straight-win/|url-status=live}} On January 13, 2019, the Toronto Raptors broke the record for most points scored in franchise history after beating the Washington Wizards in Washington 140–138 points after double overtime.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20190113/TORWAS|title=Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards - January 13, 2019|website=www.nba.com|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123224127/http://www.nba.com/games/20190113/TORWAS|url-status=live}}

File:1 kawhi leonard 2019 nba finals.jpg prepares to take a free throw during Game 2 of the 2019 Finals]]

Despite resting Leonard for more than 20 games due to his injury from the previous season, the Raptors finished the regular season with the second seed in the East, and the second-best record in the league behind the Milwaukee Bucks. The Raptors faced the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, defeating them in five games.{{cite news |title=2019 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Magic vs. Raptors |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2019-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-magic-vs-raptors.html |access-date=May 26, 2019 |website=basketball-reference.com |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729120512/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2019-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-magic-vs-raptors.html |url-status=live }} In the following round, the Raptors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in a tightly contested seven-game series. In the closing seconds of Game 7 with the game tied, Leonard hit the game-winning 15-foot buzzer-beater to lift the Raptors to a 92–90 victory—the first Game 7 buzzer-beater in NBA playoff history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26735155/kawhi-ousts-sixers-unprecedented-shot|title=Kawhi ousts Sixers with unprecedented shot|work=ESPN.com|date=May 12, 2019|access-date=May 12, 2019|archive-date=November 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104173245/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26735155/kawhi-ousts-sixers-unprecedented-shot|url-status=live}} They went on to face the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. After losing the first two games in Milwaukee, Toronto won the next four, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, and their opponents were the two-time defending champions Golden State Warriors.{{cite news |title=2019 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Raptors vs. Bucks |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2019-nba-eastern-conference-finals-raptors-vs-bucks.html |access-date=May 26, 2019 |website=basketball-reference.com |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701123940/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2019-nba-eastern-conference-finals-raptors-vs-bucks.html |url-status=live }} The Warriors, which were making their fifth consecutive finals appearance and featured multiple All-Stars, including Splash Brothers Stephen Curry (son of former Raptor Dell Curry) and Klay Thompson, were favourites to win.{{cite news |title=Golden State Warriors Favored To Win NBA Finals In 5 Or 6 Games; Steph Curry MVP Favorite |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2019/05/29/golden-state-warriors-favored-to-win-nba-finals-in-5-or-6-games-steph-curry-taking-mvp/#adbdf5f51a03 |access-date=June 8, 2019 |website=forbes.com |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608131816/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2019/05/29/golden-state-warriors-favored-to-win-nba-finals-in-5-or-6-games-steph-curry-taking-mvp/#adbdf5f51a03 |url-status=live }} However, the Raptors earned their first championship by defeating the Warriors 4–2, with Leonard being named Finals MVP.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/sports/warriors-raptors.html|title=How the Raptors Won Their First N.B.A. Championship|work=The New York Times|date=June 13, 2019|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=November 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122224913/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/13/sports/warriors-raptors.html|url-status=live}} In doing so, the Raptors became the first team based outside the United States to win the NBA title (and the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy) and the first team based outside the United States to win a championship in any of the four major North American sports leagues since the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993, ending a 25-year-long drought from Canada-based major professional sports teams.{{cite web |last1=Rush |first1=Curtis |title=Toronto Raptors Are Kings Of The NBA And The Toast Of Canada |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/curtisrush/2019/06/14/toronto-raptors-are-kings-of-the-nba-and-the-toast-of-canada |website=Forbes |access-date=June 14, 2019 |date=June 13, 2019 |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614074105/https://www.forbes.com/sites/curtisrush/2019/06/14/toronto-raptors-are-kings-of-the-nba-and-the-toast-of-canada/ |url-status=live }}

File:Pascal Siakam 2018.jpg was named as a starter in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game and a part of the All-NBA Second Team.]]

The fear that Leonard would depart after only one season materialized when he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite news |title=Kawhi Leonard Officially Signs with Clippers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/kawhi-leonard-los-angeles-clippers-official-1.5206812 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |agency=CBC Sports |date=July 10, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816064050/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/kawhi-leonard-los-angeles-clippers-official-1.5206812 |url-status=live }} Nonetheless, the Raptors managed to win 53 games in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic to secure the second seed and the second best record in the league. Their winning percentage (73.6 per cent) was the best in franchise history,{{cite magazine |last1=Rose |first1=Aaron |title=Raptors Conclude Winningest Season in Franchise History |url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/winningest-season |access-date=July 21, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721030221/https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/winningest-season |url-status=live }} with the season also seeing Nurse being named as Coach of the Year; additionally, Pascal Siakam made his first All-NBA Second Team, as well as being a starter in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game as well as Kyle Lowry making his sixth consecutive all-star selection. In the playoffs—which began later than usual in August, at the "Bubble" in Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida near Orlando—the Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 4–0 in the first round.{{cite news |last1=Helin |first1=Kurt |title=Toronto's Nick Nurse Named NBA Coach of the Year |url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/08/22/torontos-nick-nurse-named-nba-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=July 21, 2021 |agency=NBC Sports |date=August 22, 2020 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721022959/https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/08/22/torontos-nick-nurse-named-nba-coach-of-the-year/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Lopez |first1=Andrew |title=Raptors Ride Bench to Sweep of Nets, First Playoff Series with Celtics |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29727877/raptors-ride-bench-sweep-nets-first-playoff-series-celtics |access-date=July 21, 2021 |agency=ESPN |date=August 23, 2020 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816210030/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29727877/raptors-ride-bench-sweep-nets-first-playoff-series-celtics |url-status=live }} They went down 0–2 against the Boston Celtics in the next round, before OG Anunoby scored a buzzer-beater to win Toronto the third game. The series eventually went to seven games, with Boston prevailing.{{cite news |last1=Quinn |first1=Sam |title=Celtics vs. Raptors Score: Boston Holds On to Pull Off Win in Game 7 Over Toronto |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-vs-raptors-score-boston-holds-on-to-pull-off-win-in-game-7-over-toronto/live/ |access-date=July 21, 2021 |agency=CBS Sports |date=September 12, 2020 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721021612/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/celtics-vs-raptors-score-boston-holds-on-to-pull-off-win-in-game-7-over-toronto/live/ |url-status=live }}

Due to travel restrictions imposed by the Canadian government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raptors were unable to host games in Toronto and played their home games for the 2020–21 season at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.{{cite web |title=Toronto Raptors to play home games in Tampa to open NBA season |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30354415/toronto-raptors-play-home-games-tampa-open-nba-season |website=ESPN.com |access-date=November 20, 2020 |date=November 20, 2020 |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120182041/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30354415/toronto-raptors-play-home-games-tampa-open-nba-season |url-status=live }} On February 28, 2021, due to NBA's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols, the Raptors suffered their first postponement, in a scheduled game versus the Chicago Bulls, At the time, the Raptors were fourth in the East.{{Cite news|last=Rose|first=Aaron|title=What We Know About the Toronto Raptors COVID-19 Issues|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-covid19-health-and-safety-issues|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=Sports Illustrated Toronto Raptors News, Analysis and More|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301033524/https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-covid19-health-and-safety-issues|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|author=|title=Raptors Game Postponed Due To Health & Safety Reasons|url=https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-chicago-bulls-game-postponed-covid19-health-and-safety|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=Sports Illustrated Toronto Raptors News, Analysis and More|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816092708/https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/news/toronto-raptors-chicago-bulls-game-postponed-covid19-health-and-safety|url-status=live}} They did not play again until March 3, but with five players missing due to the safety protocols, including Siakam, Anunoby, Lowry and Fred VanVleet, as well as head coach Nurse, resulting the Raptors to tank, Toronto lost 129–105 to the Detroit Pistons.{{Cite web|title=Detroit Pistons use red-hot shooting to cruise past shorthanded Toronto Raptors|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/toronto-raptors-vs-detroit-pistons-game-recap-takeaways-shorthanded-norman-powell-lowry-baynes-wayne-ellington-boucher-smith/1gnfac5fculqv1pzzgy7j0vu6u|last=McGregor|first=Gilbert|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=ca.nba.com|date=March 4, 2021|publisher=NBA|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310100553/https://ca.nba.com/news/toronto-raptors-vs-detroit-pistons-game-recap-takeaways-shorthanded-norman-powell-lowry-baynes-wayne-ellington-boucher-smith/1gnfac5fculqv1pzzgy7j0vu6u|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Raptors remain severely short-handed as team readies for Celtics|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/raptors-miss-players-and-coaches-against-celtics-1.5936929|access-date=March 5, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305013056/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/raptors-miss-players-and-coaches-against-celtics-1.5936929|url-status=live}} The Raptors ultimately missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years. For the 2021 NBA draft, the Raptors jumped up to the fourth pick after having the seventh-best odds in the 2021 NBA draft lottery. With the fourth pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Raptors selected guard/forward Scottie Barnes from Florida State.{{Cite web|title=Raptors select Scottie Barnes with No. 4 pick in 2021 NBA Draft|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/raptors-select-scottie-barnes-no-4-pick-2021-nba-draft/|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=Sportsnet.ca|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730025328/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/raptors-select-scottie-barnes-no-4-pick-2021-nba-draft/|url-status=live}}

File:Scottie Barnes, Wizards vs Raptors on October 12, 2021.jpg, selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA draft, was named the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year and became the face of the franchise in 2024.]]

Before the 2021–22 season, the Raptors signed and traded Lowry to the Miami Heat for Goran Dragić and Precious Achiuwa.{{cite web|title=HEAT ACQUIRE KYLE LOWRY|url=https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-acquire-kyle-lowry|website=NBA.com|date=August 6, 2021|access-date=August 6, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024112535/https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-acquire-kyle-lowry|url-status=live}} On September 10, 2021, the Canadian government allowed the Raptors to return to Scotiabank Arena for the first time since March 2020, requiring spectators to show a proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend.{{cite news |title=Toronto Raptors approved by Canadian government to play at home arena |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32184028/toronto-raptors-approved-canadian-government-play-home-arena |access-date=September 16, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |date=September 10, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916181612/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32184028/toronto-raptors-approved-canadian-government-play-home-arena |url-status=live }} Despite a multitude of injuries to key players, the Raptors won 48 games to return to the postseason, entering the 2022 NBA playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Raptors would lose to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round in six games, after going down 0–3 to start the series.{{Cite web |title=History in the making? Raptors alive and well as Philly fans turn on 76ers |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/raptors-keep-season-alive-cut-series-deficit-to-3-2-with-win-over-76ers/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Sportsnet.ca |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014020315/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/raptors-keep-season-alive-cut-series-deficit-to-3-2-with-win-over-76ers/ |url-status=live }} Siakam was named to his second All-NBA Team, tying Vince Carter and Demar DeRozan for the most All-NBA selections in Raptors history. Scottie Barnes, whom the Raptors had selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA draft, was named the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year.{{Cite web |title=Toronto's Scottie Barnes wins 2021-22 Kia Rookie of the Year award |url=https://www.nba.com/news/torontos-scottie-barnes-wins-2021-22-kia-rookie-of-the-year-award |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=www.nba.com |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423181634/https://www.nba.com/news/torontos-scottie-barnes-wins-2021-22-kia-rookie-of-the-year-award |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=SIAKAM NAMED TO ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/siakam-named-to-all-nba-third-team |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=www.nba.com |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528140859/https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/siakam-named-to-all-nba-third-team |url-status=live }}

On December 30, 2023, the Raptors traded OG Anunoby, along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 2nd-round pick.{{Cite web|title=Raptors trade OG Anunoby to Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett|url=https://www.nba.com/news/raptors-knicks-trade-og-anunoby-rj-barrett|website=NBA.com|date=December 31, 2023|access-date=April 29, 2024}}

On January 17, 2024, the Raptors traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr. and 3 first-round picks.{{Cite web|title=Pacers acquire Pascal Siakam in trade with Raptors, Pelicans|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39330081/sources-pacers-acquire-pascal-siakam-trade-raptors-pelicans/|access-date=January 17, 2024|website=Espn.com|date=January 17, 2024|archive-date=January 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118091737/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39330081/sources-pacers-acquire-pascal-siakam-trade-raptors-pelicans/|url-status=live}} Injuries to Scottie Barnes and other key players saw the Raptors tank for the remainder of the year, ultimately finishing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. Despite the injuries, Scottie Barnes represented Toronto in the All-Star Game.

List of the last five seasons completed by the Raptors. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Toronto Raptors seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

File:Toronto Raptors wordmark 2015-current.png

Fueled by the success of the Jurassic Park film and the popularity of non-avian dinosaurs with younger audiences, who would grow up to be fans of the franchise, the team's first logo originally featured an aggressive-looking, featherless red Velociraptor wearing white sneakers with exposed toe-claws dribbling a silver-coloured basketball. The team's original colours were purple, bright red, black and "Naismith silver" (in honour of the Canadian inventor of basketball, James Naismith). The logo proved to be very popular among fans, as by the end of 1994, the Raptors were seventh in the league in merchandise sales. For the 2008−09 season, the franchise dropped the colour purple from the original logo, making bright red the predominant colour in both the logo and the team's jerseys.

On December 19, 2014, the Toronto Raptors unveiled a new primary logo, which the team described as "a circular shield with a ball torn by the unmistakable attack of a Raptor".{{cite press release|title=Raptors Unveil New Primary Logo|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/logo_121914|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=December 19, 2014|access-date=May 15, 2016|archive-date=May 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526112016/https://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/logo_121914|url-status=live}}

The Toronto Raptors used various court art over the team's existence. For retro games, the Raptors used the Toronto Huskies logo, given that the Raptors are among the newest NBA teams and the Huskies are the Raptors' unofficial geographical predecessor. Beginning in early 2018, in some games, the Raptors use the Welcome Toronto logo, as the Raptors have strong connections with Toronto-based rapper Drake, as well as the 3D Raptors logo. Scotiabank subsidiary Tangerine Bank's name and logo are printed on the court as well (Tangerine Bank was formerly ING Direct Canada, until Scotiabank purchased the company in 2012 and re-branded it in 2013).

The uniforms the Raptors unveiled prior to the 1995–96 season, and wore until 1999, had black and white tears as pinstripes, edgy asymmetric lettering, a raptor claw on one side of the shorts, a raptor biting the ‘T’ of the ‘TR’ franchise acronym on the other side; and featured a red giant and aggressive Velociraptor dribbling a basketball (as depicted on the franchise logo) in the middle of the jersey. The Raptors unveiled these new jerseys in 1999−2000, launching a unique road jersey that had a purple front and a black back. In 2003−04, the Raptors introduced a solid red alternate that would become the main road jersey in 2006−07 onward as purple was dropped from the team's colour scheme. From the 2008−09 season through the 2014−15 season, the Raptors unveiled their alternate black road uniforms, which were actually worn as often as the primary red ones.

On August 3, 2015, the Toronto Raptors unveiled four new uniforms. The uniforms were released in partnership with 2K Sports' NBA 2K16 video game. The team said in a press release that the new uniform designs were intended to pay tribute to the city of Toronto and to Canada as a whole, noting that the Raptors were the sole Canadian club in the NBA since the Grizzlies' move to Memphis. The main colours would remain centred on Canada's national colours of red and white, whereas black and silver will continue to be used for trim on the white home and red road uniforms. The uniforms themselves underwent changes. Most notably, the chevrons on the side panels now point up, which the team said aligns with its current slogan of "We The North". Since being introduced as a uniform accent in 1999, the chevrons had pointed downward, the team said. In addition, at the waist-level hem of the jersey is an upside-down tag with the team's "We The North" slogan. The team said the slogan on the tag will be visible to players when they tuck in their jerseys. Additionally, the shorts now feature a maple leaf logo on the front of the waistband, and the letter "T" is now on the sides of the shorts with the Raptors' basketball claw logo below it. This is a reference to the city of Toronto's "T-Dot" nickname. The Raptors also have an alternate road uniform based on Drake's October's Very Own (OVO) Sound record label.{{cite press release|title=Raptors Unveil New Uniforms|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/uniforms-080315|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=August 3, 2015|access-date=August 11, 2015|archive-date=August 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806191047/http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/uniforms-080315|url-status=live}}

In 2017, as part of the NBA's partnership with Nike, each team was allotted four primary uniforms, classified as "editions".{{cite press release|title=Nike and the NBA Reveal the First of the League's 2017-18 Game Uniforms|url=https://news.nike.com/news/nike-nba-game-uniforms|publisher=Nike|website=nike.com|date=June 18, 2017|access-date=March 4, 2020|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207091250/https://news.nike.com/news/nike-nba-game-uniforms|url-status=live}} The Raptors made small changes to their regular home (now called "Association edition") and road (now the "Icon edition") uniforms, as well as their alternate ("Statement edition") uniforms. In addition, each franchise was also given new "City edition" uniforms, conceived by Nike as a way of commemorating each of the NBA teams' city history and pride. For the 2018–19 season, the Raptors were one of the franchises awarded "Earned edition" uniforms, by virtue of qualifying in the 2018 playoffs. The 2021−22 version of the "City edition" brought back the original Velociraptor, albeit in black and gold and facing the opposite direction.

;(2020−)

{{Fb_kit_header}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_association2021

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_association2021

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = Association

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_icon2021

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_icon2021

| body = 000000

| shorts = 000000

| title = Icon

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_statement2021

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_statement2021

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = Statement

}}

{{Fb kit footer|s=[http://www.jerseymuseum.org/team/toronto-raptors/jerseys/ jerseymuseum.org]|date=July 2019}}

{{Clear}}

;City editions (2017−)

{{Fb_kit_header}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _2017-18_TOR_city

| pattern_s = _2017-18_TOR_city

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2017−18

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _2018-19_TOR_city

| pattern_s = _2018-19_TOR_city

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2018−19

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_city1920

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_city1920

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2019−20

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_city2021

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_city2021

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2020−21

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_city2122

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_city2122

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2021−22

}}

{{Fb kit footer|s=[http://www.jerseymuseum.org/team/toronto-raptors/jerseys/ jerseymuseum.org]|date=July 2019}}

{{Clear}}

;Earned editions (2018−)

{{Fb_kit_header}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _2018-19_TOR_earned

| pattern_s = _2018-19_TOR_earned

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2018−19

}}

|{{Basketball kit

| pattern_b = _torontoraptors_earned2021

| pattern_s = _torontoraptors_earned2021

| body = ffffff

| shorts = ffffff

| title = 2020−21

}}

{{Fb kit footer|s=[http://www.jerseymuseum.org/team/toronto-raptors/jerseys/ jerseymuseum.org]|date=July 2019}}

{{Clear}}

In the 2017 off-season, the Raptors announced that Toronto-based Sun Life Financial is the team's jersey sponsor starting in the 2017–18 season.

On December 8, 2009, the Raptors introduced a blue-and-white throwback jersey to commemorate the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America, regarded by many as the unofficial, geographical predecessor of the Raptors.{{cite press release|title=Raptors Announce Hardwood Classics Schedule and Unveil Huskies Uniform|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors_huskies_release_120709.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=December 7, 2009|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031075119/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors_huskies_release_120709.html|url-status=live}} The uniforms were the same as those worn by the Huskies during the 1946–47 season, with the exception of the nickname and length of the shorts. These uniforms were worn in six games in the 2009–10 season and have since been used as "retro" jerseys, worn during special "Huskies Nights".

In the 2016–17 NBA season, the Raptors not only unveiled the season's "retro" uniforms in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Toronto Huskies, but also revealed a Huskies-themed throwback court.{{cite press release|title=Raptors unveil their incredible Toronto Huskies throwback court|url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/11/12/13608974/raptors-unveil-huskies-court-toronto-nba|publisher=sbnation.com|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=March 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323234829/http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/11/12/13608974/raptors-unveil-huskies-court-toronto-nba?|url-status=live}} The franchise also launched a special red Chinese New Year jersey in celebration of the event. The Chinese New Year jersey features a stylized rendering of "Toronto" in white traditional Chinese characters (多倫多, Pinyin: Duōlúnduō, Wade–Giles: To¹-lun²-to¹) with the head of a leftward-facing (viewer's perspective) Chinese dragon replacing the upper half of the first 多 character and the Raptors slashed basketball logo replacing much of the bottom half of the 倫 character.{{cite press release|title=Toronto Huskies & Chinese New Year Uniforms|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/1617-uniforms/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203202546/http://www.nba.com/raptors/1617-uniforms/|url-status=live}}

Other jerseys worn by the Raptors include a green uniform worn from the 2007−08 season through to the 2011−12 season on St. Patrick's Day.{{cite web|last1=Bojarinov|first1=Peter|title=Raptors News: Toronto Unveils St. Patrick's Day Jerseys|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13474-raptors-news-toronto-unveils-st-patricks-day-jerseys|website=bleacherreport.com/|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=March 17, 2008|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404200928/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/13474-raptors-news-toronto-unveils-st-patricks-day-jerseys|url-status=live}}

The Raptors also wear a camouflage uniform based on the temperate variant of CADPAT (Canadian Disruptive Pattern) during special events involving the Canadian Armed Forces,{{cite web|title=Raptors Host Annual Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/armedforces-012815|website=www.nba.com|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=January 28, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403114719/http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/armedforces-012815|url-status=live}} as well as jerseys themed by Drake, such as Welcome Toronto jerseys, which are black with gold text.

• OVO Athletic Centre (Practice facility: 2016–present)

{{See also|Toronto Raptors all-time roster|Toronto Raptors draft history}}

{{Toronto Raptors roster}}

The Raptors hold the draft rights to the following unsigned draft picks who have been playing outside the NBA. A drafted player, either an international draftee or a college draftee who is not signed by the team that drafted him, is allowed to sign with any non-NBA team. In this case, the team retains the player's draft rights in the NBA until one year after the player's contract with the non-NBA team ends.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm|title=NBA Salary Cap FAQ – 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement|quote=If the player is already under contract to, or signs a contract with a non-NBA team, the team retains the player's draft rights for one year after the player's obligation to the non-NBA team ends. Essentially, the clock stops as long as the player plays pro ball outside the NBA.|first=Larry|last=Coon|author-link=Larry Coon|access-date=April 13, 2014|archive-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527075033/http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm|url-status=live}} This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams.

All retired numbers hang from the rafters at Scotiabank Arena.

• The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams on August 11, 2022.{{cite web |title=Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA |url=https://www.nba.com/news/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-to-be-retired-throughout-nba |website=NBA.com |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817080803/https://www.nba.com/news/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-to-be-retired-throughout-nba |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Golliver |first1=Ben |title=NBA permanently retires Bill Russell's No. 6 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/11/bill-russell-nba-jersey-retirement/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107143239/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/11/bill-russell-nba-jersey-retirement/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|List of players in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame}}

Notes:

• ¹ Wilkens was inducted into the Hall of Fame thrice — as player, as coach and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.
• ² Bosh was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice — as player and as a member of the 2008 Olympic team.

General managers

File:Bryan colangelo 2009.JPG (right) at a Raptors game in 2009. He was the team's general manager, and president of basketball operations from February 2006 to May 2013.]]

Presidents of basketball operations

Owners

{{Main|List of Toronto Raptors head coaches}}

{{Main|List of Toronto Raptors seasons|Toronto Raptors accomplishments and records}}

File:Raptors Banner.jpg, depicting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy]]

Since their inception in 1995, the Raptors have made the playoffs thirteen times (2000–2002, 2007, 2008, 2014–2020 and 2022), advancing past the first round six times (2001 and 2016–2020). The Raptors have won the Atlantic Division seven times (2007, 2014–2016, and 2018–2020), and the franchise record number of wins in the regular season is 59 (2018). The Raptors advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals twice (2016 and 2019). Only once did the Raptors reach and win the NBA Finals (2019). Nine Raptors have been selected to play in the All-Star game: Vince Carter, Antonio Davis, Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes. With the exception of Davis, VanVleet and Barnes, these players also made All-NBA teams, while Leonard has also made the All-NBA Defensive team. Two Raptors coaches have also made the All-Star game: Dwane Casey in 2018 and Nick Nurse in 2020. In 2020, the Raptors went on a 15-game winning streak and set a new record for the longest winning streak by a Canadian-based professional sports franchise.{{cite web|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/toronto-raptors-win-streak-franchise-record-canadian-professional-record-nba-nhl-mlb-cfl/er7ja23njty161mynm0klm9b|title=Toronto Raptors set record for longest win streak by a Canadian-based professional sports franchise|date=February 11, 2020|last=McGregor|first=Gilbert|website=ca.nba.com|publisher=NBA|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423201522/https://ca.nba.com/news/toronto-raptors-win-streak-franchise-record-canadian-professional-record-nba-nhl-mlb-cfl/er7ja23njty161mynm0klm9b|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Toronto Raptors broadcasters}}

Raptors games are primarily broadcast on television by Canadian sports channels TSN and Sportsnet, owned by Bell Media and Rogers Communications, respectively. Through MLSE, the Raptors also operate the Canadian version of NBA TV (formerly known as Raptors NBA TV), which airs reruns of Raptors telecasts along with other news and analysis programs focusing on the team and the rest of the NBA.Zelkovich, Chris, [https://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/197712 "Raptors putting on a show – who's watching?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020164103/http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/197712 |date=October 20, 2012 }}, thestar.com, March 30, 2007, accessed June 16, 2007. During the 2019 NBA Finals, for simultaneous substitution purposes, Citytv (for games aired by Sportsnet){{Cite web|url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/05/30/where-to-watch-raptors-nba-final/|title=Where to watch Raptors vs. Warriors NBA finals|website=CityNews Toronto|publisher=Rogers Media|access-date=June 4, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604163404/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/05/30/where-to-watch-raptors-nba-final/|url-status=live}} and CTV 2 (for games aired by TSN) aired the ABC feed.{{cite press release|title=TSN Announces Schedule for NBA Finals, Featuring Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors|url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/tsn-announces-schedule-for-nba-finals-featuring-toronto-raptors-vs-golden-state-warriors|publisher=Bell Media|date=May 27, 2019|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528013233/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/tsn-announces-schedule-for-nba-finals-featuring-toronto-raptors-vs-golden-state-warriors/|url-status=live}}

File:1 matt devlin jack armstrong 2019.jpg and Jack Armstrong covering Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals]]

{{col div}}

• John Saunders (Play-by-play, 1995–98, Citytv, The New VR; 1998–2001 Sportsnet)
• Dan Shulman (Play-by-play, 1995–2001, TSN)
• Rod Black (Play-by-play, 1995–2005, CTV, and TSN, 2014–2021)
• Chuck Swirsky (Play-by-play, 2001–2008, Sportsnet, and TSN)
• Jack Armstrong (Colour, 1998–present, TSN)
• Leo Rautins (Colour, 1995–present, Sportsnet; 2007–2010 CBC)
• Matt Devlin (Play-by-play, 2008–present, TSN, Sportsnet; 2007–2010, CBC)
• Sherman Hamilton (Colour, 2008–present, NBA TV Canada)

{{col div end}}

{{col div}}

• Mike Inglis (Play-by-play, 1995–1998, CFRB 1010)
• Earl Cureton (Colour, 1997–1998, CFRB 1010)
• Chuck Swirsky (Play-by-play, 1998–2001, Fan 590; TV simulcast of play-by-play, 2001–2004)
• Jack Armstrong (Colour, 1998–2001, Fan 590; 2013–present, TSN Radio 1050)
• Leo Rautins (TV simulcast of colour, 2001–2004, Fan 590)
• Paul Romanuk (Play-by-play, 2004–2005, Fan 590)
• Paul Jones (Colour, 1995–1997, CFRB 1010; 2004–2005, 2015–present, Fan 590; Play-by-play, 2005–2015, Fan 590; 2013–present, TSN Radio 1050)
• Eric Smith (Colour, 2005–2015, Fan 590; Play-by-play, 2015–present, Fan 590)
• Matt Devlin (TV simulcast of play-by-play, 2013–present, TSN Radio 1050)
• Sherman Hamilton (Colour, 2013–present, TSN Radio 1050)

{{col div end}}

The Raptors have enjoyed a consistent fanbase throughout their history. They set NBA attendance records in their 2000, 2001, and 2002 seasons when they made the playoffs. Attendance dipped slightly between 2003 and 2006. This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 per cent of capacity at the Air Canada Centre.[https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance?year=2007 2006–07 NBA Attendance], sports.espn.go.com, accessed June 16, 2007. Following the success of the 2006–07 season, Toronto became one of the league leaders in season ticket sales for the 2007–08 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/2007/09/05/ticket_sales_put_raptors_in_model_franchise_territory.html|title=Ticket sales put Raptors in model franchise territory|last=Smith|first=Doug|date=September 5, 2007|access-date=September 6, 2007|website=thestar.com|publisher=Torstar Corporation|archive-date=October 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031114822/http://www.thestar.com/news/2007/09/05/ticket_sales_put_raptors_in_model_franchise_territory.html|url-status=live}}

File:Raptor dancing.jpg donning basketball shoes and a jersey numbered 95, after the last two digits of the year of the Raptors' establishment, rallying the crowd during a game.]]

Another successful run starting in 2013–14 led to a spike in the Raptors' support. For the 2014–15 season, the team sold out the 12,500 season tickets, the first time it occurred since 2011.Westhead, Rick. [https://www.tsn.ca/westhead-raptors-sell-out-season-tickets-for-first-time-in-14-years-1.148730 Westhead: Raptors sell out season tickets for first time in 14 years] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052541/https://www.tsn.ca/westhead-raptors-sell-out-season-tickets-for-first-time-in-14-years-1.148730 |date=December 22, 2017 }}, TSN, December 1, 2014. Public watchings of the Raptors games, particularly during the playoffs, started being held in 2014 at Maple Leaf Square, which the fans nicknamed "Jurassic Park". MLSE decided to endorse this practice by setting up concession stands and branded sponsorships at the square with naming rights sold to Ford Motor Company's Canadian operations, along with increased security. At times, footage from the square is broadcast to the Raptors locker room.Levinson King, Robin. [https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/04/26/why-jurassic-park-is-ground-zero-for-raptors-fans.html "Why Jurassic Park Is Ground Zero For Raptors Fans"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501092413/http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/04/26/why-jurassic-park-is-ground-zero-for-raptors-fans.html |date=May 1, 2016 }}. (April 26, 2016). Toronto StarLopez, Jeanlyn. [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/fans-pack-jurassic-park-to-cheer-on-raptors/article24018174/ "Fans pack 'Jurassic Park' to cheer on Raptors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505153738/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/fans-pack-jurassic-park-to-cheer-on-raptors/article24018174/ |date=May 5, 2018 }}, The Globe and Mail, April 18, 2015 The victorious Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers on the 2016 playoffs was the most-watched Raptors broadcast ever and the biggest television audience in Canada that day, averaging 1.53 million viewers with a peak of 2.63 million.Lou, William. [https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1019836 Game 7 the most-watched Raptors game in Canadian history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210113141/https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1019836 |date=February 10, 2024 }}, TheScore, May 2, 2016. This record has since been broken during the Raptors' victorious 2019 playoff run, averaging 7.7 million viewers with a peak of 10 million.{{cite web|url=https://in.nba.com/news/nba-finals-2019-toronto-raptors-game-6-is-most-watched-nba-game-ever-in-canada-golden-state-warriors/85psj2cswgyx1je1et516ydg3|title=NBA Finals 2019: Toronto Raptors' championship-clinching Game 6 win is most-watched NBA game ever in Canada|last=Kidane|first=Benyam|publisher=NBA|website=in.nba.com|date=June 15, 2019|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508182916/https://in.nba.com/news/nba-finals-2019-toronto-raptors-game-6-is-most-watched-nba-game-ever-in-canada-golden-state-warriors/85psj2cswgyx1je1et516ydg3|url-status=live}}

The value of the Raptors franchise has risen over the years. In 1998, the franchise was bought for US$125 million. With the continued popularity of the Raptors, the value of the franchise doubled from US$148 million in 2000 to $297 million in 2004. The value of the franchise grew again from $315 million in 2006 to $373 million in 2007, and $400 million in 2008. By 2018, Forbes estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA.[https://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/32/biz_06nba_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html NBA Team Valuations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411000322/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/32/biz_06nba_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html |date=April 11, 2016 }}, forbes.com/lists, January 25, 2007, accessed June 15, 2007.[https://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/32/biz_07nba_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html #14 Toronto Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024015230/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/32/biz_07nba_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html |date=October 24, 2010 }}, forbes.com, December 6, 2007, accessed February 6, 2008.[https://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/32/nba08_NBA-Team-Valuations_Value.html NBA Team Valuations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227082540/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/32/nba08_NBA-Team-Valuations_Value.html |date=December 27, 2010 }}, forbes.com, December 3, 2008, accessed December 6, 2008.[https://www.forbes.com/teams/toronto-raptors/ The Business of Basketball: Toronto Raptors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105041329/https://www.forbes.com/teams/toronto-raptors/ |date=January 5, 2018 }}, forbes.com, accessed May 4, 2016[https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/32/basketball-valuations-11_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html NBA Team Valuations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226103917/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/32/basketball-valuations-11_Toronto-Raptors_321933.html |date=December 26, 2016 }}, forbes.com, accessed November 15, 2011.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2018/02/07/forbes-releases-20th-annual-nba-team-valuations/#306b751734e6 NBA Team Valuations 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208091156/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2018/02/07/forbes-releases-20th-annual-nba-team-valuations/#306b751734e6 |date=February 8, 2018 }}, forbes.com, accessed February 7, 2018.

{{see also|List of NBA mascots}}

The Raptor mascot, the North Side Crew, and DJ 4 Korners provide in-arena entertainment at Scotiabank Arena during game day.{{cite news|url=https://www.sikids.com/kid-reporter/meet-raptor-torontos-fun-loving-mascot|title=Meet the Raptor, Toronto's Fun-Loving Mascot|date=February 8, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|last=Dove|first=Abigail|newspaper=Si Kids: Sports News for Kids, Kids Games and More|publisher=ABG-SI|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928195013/https://www.sikids.com/kid-reporter/meet-raptor-torontos-fun-loving-mascot|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/northsidecrew|title=North Side Crew|website=www.nba.com|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531052937/https://www.nba.com/raptors/northsidecrew|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.iamhiphopmagazine.com/interview-meet-the-official-dj-for-nba-team-toronto-raptors-dj-4korners/|title=Meet the official DJ for NBA team Toronto Raptors 'DJ 4KORNERS'|publisher=No Bounds|website=iamhiphopmagazine.com|date=August 31, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|last=St. Paul|first=Jay|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410195653/https://www.iamhiphopmagazine.com/interview-meet-the-official-dj-for-nba-team-toronto-raptors-dj-4korners/|url-status=live}} During the 2013–14 season, a new "Drake Zone" was created in the lower bowl. Limited edition shirts were given away to fans sitting in the Drake Zone.{{cite web|url=https://sportmanagementhub.com/toronto-raptors-ovo-drake-history-logo-merch-uniforms/|last=Goldberg|first=Phil|title=Toronto Raptors x October's Very Own (OVO) Logo & Uniforms To Drake Night: The Partnership's History|website=sportmanagementhub.com|date=July 5, 2019|publisher=SPMA Inc.|access-date=May 27, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108014058/https://sportmanagementhub.com/toronto-raptors-ovo-drake-history-logo-merch-uniforms/|url-status=live}} Giveaways are sometimes bundled with tickets to encourage attendance. Further, whenever Toronto scores more than 100 points in a home game and wins, fans can redeem their ticket for a cheese or pepperoni pizza slice at standalone Pizza Pizza locations throughout Ontario for the business day after the game that was played. This is part of a promotion made by the Raptors' official pizza sponsor.{{cite news|last1=Zwolinski|first1=Mark|title=Toronto Raptors fans hungry for 100 point-pizza promo|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/raptors/2012/03/28/toronto_raptors_fans_hungry_for_100_pointpizza_promo.html|access-date=April 2, 2012|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=March 28, 2012|archive-date=March 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309104907/http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/raptors/2012/03/28/toronto_raptors_fans_hungry_for_100_pointpizza_promo.html|url-status=live}} However, beginning in the 2018–19 season, the promotion added an extra requirement of purchasing a first slice before receiving the free second slice, though it requires using the Pizza Pizza mobile app instead of using a Raptors ticket, allowing Raptors fans who did not attend the game to receive a free second slice after purchasing a first slice.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2018/10/20/pizza-promotion-change-just-one-of-many-new-wrinkles-at-raptors-games-this-season.html|title=Pizza promotion change just one of many new wrinkles at Raptors games this season - The Star|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=October 22, 2018|last1=Ho|first1=Patrick|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023080154/https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2018/10/20/pizza-promotion-change-just-one-of-many-new-wrinkles-at-raptors-games-this-season.html|url-status=live}} Beginning in the same NBA season, McDonald's Canadian operations also offer fans in Ontario using the McDonald's Canada mobile app, regardless of game attendance, a free medium-sized serving of French fries with a minimum C$1 purchase of another item the next day after when the Raptors make at least a dozen successful three-pointers in home or away games regardless of outcome. The promotion was then expanded to include McDonald's locations throughout the rest of Canada the following season,{{Cite web|date=August 3, 2020|title=McDonald's Canada Is Bringing Back Free Fries For Toronto Raptors 3-Pointers|url=https://www.narcity.com/mcdonalds-canadas-free-fries-for-raptors-3pointers-is-back|access-date=February 2, 2022|website=Narcity|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202222909/https://www.narcity.com/mcdonalds-canadas-free-fries-for-raptors-3pointers-is-back|url-status=live}} but excluded McDonald's restaurants located in Quebec because the chain was already running a similar promotion with the Montreal Canadiens in that province.{{Cite web|date=October 23, 2019|title=Everyone In Canada Can Get Free McDonald's Fries Today Except Quebec|url=https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/mcdonalds-canada-toronto-raptors-promotion-is-valid-everywhere-except-quebec|access-date=February 2, 2022|website=MTL Blog|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202222903/https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/mcdonalds-canada-toronto-raptors-promotion-is-valid-everywhere-except-quebec|url-status=live}}

File:Nets vs Raptors Game 2 2014 playoffs.jpg stands courtside during the first round of the 2014 playoffs. Drake was named the "global ambassador" for the Raptors in September 2013.]]

In the lead-up to the team's 20th anniversary season in 2015 and its hosting of the 2016 All-Star Game, the Raptors began the process of re-branding itself. On September 30, 2013, Toronto-based rapper Drake was announced as the new "global ambassador" for the Toronto Raptors, thereby joining the executive committee of his hometown's NBA team.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-sign-rap-star-drake-to-add-flash-promote-all-star-game/article14597789/|title=Raptors sign rap star Drake to add flash, promote all-star game|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=September 30, 2013|date=September 30, 2013|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002052720/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/raptors-sign-rap-star-drake-to-add-flash-promote-all-star-game/article14597789/|url-status=live}} In April 2014, the Raptors unveiled a new imaging campaign developed by the agency Sid Lee, "We The North", built around a manifesto that was meant to embrace the team's trait of being an "outsider" from the "north side", and the accompanying feelings of players and fans.

The "We The North" campaign was originally to be launched during the 2015–16 season; however, the launch was hastened so it would be ready in time for the 2014 playoffs, taking into account the poor performance of Canada's other pro sports teams at the time. An introductory commercial was quickly filmed, which featured the manifesto as narration, scenes of local basketball players in various outdoor locations around the city, and ended with a scene displaying a black, waving flag with the motto written on it. The campaign was immediately embraced by fans during the playoffs and following season; the launch commercial was viewed over 500,000 times in the two days following its release, "We The North"-branded shirts and flags became a common sight at games, while Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) sports marketing professor Cheri Bradish compared the campaign to Molson's former "I Am Canadian" alcohol advertising campaign in how it resonated with the country.{{cite news|title=How the Raptors redefined their brand – and took Toronto by the throat|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/how-the-raptors-redefined-their-brand-and-took-toronto-by-the-throat/article21360335/|access-date=January 16, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|date=October 28, 2014|first=Rachel|last=Brady|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221025252/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/how-the-raptors-redefined-their-brand-and-took-toronto-by-the-throat/article21360335/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Raptors rebrand and embrace The North|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2014/04/16/raptors_rebrand_and_embrace_the_north.html|access-date=January 16, 2015|work=Toronto Star|archive-date=January 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116091954/http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/04/16/raptors_rebrand_and_embrace_the_north.html|url-status=live}}

On December 19, 2014, the Raptors soft-launched a new logo also designed by Sid Lee, which features a basketball with claw marks. The new logo was officially implemented during the 2015–16 season. The logo's introduction was marred by a disorganized launch, which saw a black and white version initially shown before the eventual unveiling of coloured versions later in the day, mixed reviews for the design itself, with some (especially on the black and white version) comparing it to that of the Brooklyn Nets, and despite teasing merchandise with the new logo, not releasing any until at least mid-2015.{{cite news|title=Raptors' launch of new logo baffles marketing experts|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/12/22/raptors_launch_of_new_logo_baffles_marketing_experts.html|website=Toronto Star|date=December 22, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2015|last1=Rubin|first1=Josh|archive-date=December 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228194322/http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/12/22/raptors_launch_of_new_logo_baffles_marketing_experts.html|url-status=live}} There were also alleged tensions between MLSE staff and Drake surrounding the new design—in particular, the performer had pushed for the team to change its primary colour from red to gold (a colour seen in one of the official variants of the logo unveiled that day). In a response on Twitter, Drake distanced himself from the "execution" of the new logo.{{cite news|title=Kelly: Botched logo rollout first sign of trouble in Raptors, Drake partnership|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/kelly-drake-raptors-at-odds-over-new-logo/article22176489/|website=The Globe and Mail|date=December 22, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2015|last1=Kelly|first1=Cathal|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425020350/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/kelly-drake-raptors-at-odds-over-new-logo/article22176489/|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Drake unveiled the Welcome Toronto program with the Raptors. As a part of the program, the Raptors wore "city edition" uniforms for six home games throughout the 2017–18 season. As a salute to the earlier We the North campaign, the uniforms feature a gold chevron with "NORTH" written across it. The six Welcome Toronto home games also featured an OVO-themed black-and-gold home court, with chevrons pointing north.{{cite web|title=Welcome Toronto|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/welcometoronto|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|website=www.nba.com|access-date=March 30, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331042149/http://www.nba.com/raptors/welcometoronto|url-status=live}} In addition to the Welcome Toronto home games, it was also announced that the Raptors and OVO would donate $1 million in order to refurbish local community basketball courts, as well as another $2 million to Canada Basketball.{{cite web|title=Raptors and Drake Elevated Partnership Gives Back To The Fans, The City and the Game of Basketball|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/raptors-drake-partnership-gives-back-to-fans-city-basketball|website=www.nba.com|access-date=March 20, 2018|date=January 17, 2018|archive-date=March 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321131319/http://www.nba.com/raptors/press-releases/raptors-drake-partnership-gives-back-to-fans-city-basketball|url-status=live}}

In January 2025, Drake was banned for one year from commentating Toronto Raptors games for disparaging former player DeMar DeRozan.{{Cite news |date=January 15, 2025 |title=Drake banned from Raptors commentating for one year after making remarks about DeMar DeRozan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2522292/drake-banned-from-raptors-commentating-for-one-year-after-making-remarks-about-demar-derozan |access-date=February 12, 2025 |work=The Express Tribune}}

The Raptors Foundation was the charitable arm of the Raptors, dedicated to assisting Ontario's registered charities that support programs and sports initiatives for at-risk children and youth. The Foundation strove to lift spirits and change lives for young people by supporting local and provincial organizations that provide recreational, educational and other youth-oriented activities. Through its community ties and with the help of its corporate partners, donors, Raptors players and volunteers, the Foundation had successfully raised more than $14 million between 1995 and 2007, and reached out to thousands of other charities.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/raptors/community/foundation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322014953/http://www.nba.com/raptors/community/foundation.html|archive-date=March 22, 2007|access-date=February 22, 2007|website=www.nba.com|publisher=NBA Media Ventures|title=Raptors Foundation}} In 2009, the Raptors Foundation merged with the other charitable arms of MLSE's other sports franchises to form the MLSE Team Up Foundation.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlsefoundation.org/about-us/who-we-are|title=Who We Are|publisher=MLSE Foundation|year=2020|access-date=May 7, 2021|website=mlsefoundation.org|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507162406/https://www.mlsefoundation.org/about-us/who-we-are|url-status=live}}

In 2018, the Raptors, in partnership with Drake, announced the Welcome Toronto program. The program will see the Raptors and OVO contribute $2 million to Canada Basketball over the next four years. In addition, the Raptors and OVO also announced a donation of $1 million over the next three years in order to refurbish four community basketball courts within Toronto city limits. The four courts are located at Flemingdon Community Centre in the North York district in the north end of the city, Malvern Community Recreation Centre in the Scarborough district in the east end of the city, Matty Eckler Community Centre in the Riverdale neighbourhood of the Old Toronto district just to the east of downtown, and Thistletown Community Centre in the Etobicoke district in the west end of the city.

The Toronto Raptors have a rivalry with both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets.

{{Main|Nets–Raptors rivalry}}

The New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and the Raptors have been minor rivals since the trade of Vince Carter during the 2004–05 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/its-time-to-forgive-vince/|title=It's time to forgive Vince|last=Grange|first=Michael|website=sportsnet.ca|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|year=2015|access-date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507172505/https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/its-time-to-forgive-vince/|url-status=live}} The rivalry began to heat up as the two teams faced each other in the opening round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, with the Nets winning the series, 4–2, after a go-ahead shot by Richard Jefferson with 8 seconds left in Game 6 ensuring a 98–97 defeat for the Raptors.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/jefferson-nets-eliminate-raptors-1.662599|title=Jefferson, Nets eliminate Raptors|website=CBC.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=May 4, 2007|access-date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=November 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114021243/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/jefferson-nets-eliminate-raptors-1.662599|url-status=live}} The rivalry was rekindled during the 2013–14 season when the Nets and Raptors battled for the Atlantic Division. The Raptors won the division final but then faced the Nets in the opening round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. Prior to Game 1 of the series, Raptors' general manager Masai Ujiri spoke at a Raptors rally outside Air Canada Centre's Maple Leaf Square. During the rally, Ujiri yelled "Fuck Brooklyn!" which found its way onto various social media platforms within minutes. Masai was fined $25,000 by the NBA for the quote and later apologized for the excessive language.{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2014/04/21/masai-ujiri-warned-nba-fine-toronto-raptors-gm-brooklyn|publisher=ABG-SI|title=NBA fines Raptors GM Masai Ujiri for cursing Brooklyn|first=Ben|last=Golliver|newspaper=Sports Illustrated|access-date=May 3, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909142148/https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2014/04/21/masai-ujiri-warned-nba-fine-toronto-raptors-gm-brooklyn|url-status=live}} The hard-fought series lasted seven games, and was decided in the final seconds when Paul Pierce blocked Kyle Lowry's shot giving the Nets the 104–103 victory. The two teams met again in the first round of 2020 NBA Playoffs, this time with the Raptors sweeping the Nets in four games, which was the first playoff series that the Raptors swept.

The New York Knicks and the Raptors are divisional rivals.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/the-closest-thing-to-a-raptors-rivalry/|title=The closest thing to a Raptors rivalry - Sportsnet.ca|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=May 3, 2017|publisher=Rogers Digital Media|last=Smith|first=Eric|date=January 30, 2015|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104013702/http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/the-closest-thing-to-a-raptors-rivalry/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/knicks-renew-rivalry-with-raptors|publisher=FOX News Network|title=Knicks renew rivalry with Raptors|date=February 13, 2013|website=Fox News|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072848/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/02/13/knicks-renew-rivalry-with-raptors.html|url-status=live}} The Raptors made their first-ever playoff appearance during the 1999–2000 season, in which they were swept by the Knicks in the first round, 3–0. The following season, the Raptors redeemed themselves, defeating the Knicks in the first round 3–2; this effectively ended the Knicks' run as perennial NBA championship contenders, which began in the early 1990s.{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1970805|title=1st-Round Rewind: Raptors knock out Knicks in 2001|publisher=Score Media ventures|website=thescore.com|last=Chick|first=John|year=2020|access-date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210113038/https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1970805|url-status=live}}

• Basketball in Canada
• Sports in Toronto
• Toronto Tempo of the WNBA

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Toronto Raptors}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Toronto Raptors}}

{{Navboxes|titlestyle={{NBA color cell|Toronto Raptors|border=2}}|list =

{{Toronto Raptors seasons}}

{{NBA}}

{{Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment}}

{{Toronto Sports}}

{{Ontario Sports}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Portal bar|Basketball|Canada|Ontario}}

Category:1995 establishments in Ontario

Category:1998 mergers and acquisitions

Raptors

Category:Basketball teams established in 1995

Category:Events in Toronto

Category:Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Category:NBA teams

Category:Relocated NBA teams

Category:Sports clubs and teams in Tampa, Florida